Kanye West apologizes for his VMA outburst again: 'It was rude, period.'

 

Outspoken rapper Kanye West told Jay Leno that he’s taking some time off to reflect on his actions after his controversial outburst over the weekend at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Leno didn't waste time poking fun at the situation in the opening monologue of his new hourlong prime-time program on NBC: "It's been a busy week for President Obama. I understand he's having Kanye West and Taylor Swift [over] to the White House for a root beer summit. See, she's only 19 so it's gotta be root beer."

West was lined up to perform with Rihanna and Jay-Z on Monday night’s premiere of “The Jay Leno Show” but was not originally scheduled to chat with the host. However, after West drew criticism for hijacking the stage at Sunday night’s VMA ceremony during Swift's acceptance speech for her best female music video prize, the rap star decided to take the hot seat for some damage control.

“It was rude, period,” West, wearing all black, told Leno prior to the performance.

When asked how his mother, who died in 2007 of complications from cosmetic surgery, would have reacted to his outburst, West struggled to form words. "I've never taken the time off to grieve," West said. "It's just a shame my hurt caused someone else's hurt."

He ended the brief interview by adding he would take time off to analyze his actions and how he can "improve."

No word on how that might effect his previously announced plans to tour with Lady GaGa later this year.

--Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Kanye West and Taylor Swift/ Associated Press

Comments

[Liz Sass]

I have been of his music for years, inspite of critisism. I am now disgusted by him, and for him. I wish I never bought any of his music. It's over, which is what I fortell of him. Get what attention now , cause you've lost us. LOOSER

[Wendy G]

Is this the Kandy West,one hit wonder, apology tour? His fledging career is obviously so desperate he'll steal moments from a 17 yr old girl, who's career is flying high. Kanye West, yes..there's a young white girl that sings, writes her own songs, actually plays a musical instument, that teenagers just love. You..they never heard of. You've shown yourself to be one angry paranoid racist. Where's Michael when u need him..all super talent, all about love.

You stole his moment too. We wouldn't be talking about Taylor Swift today..we'd be talking about the Tribute and Janet's great dance, one more time with Michael..we'd be talking about Lisa Marie Presley sneaking in as one of Janet's background dancers..it was fantastic and once again about love, not hate, appreciation, not degredation, class, not classlessness..go get help...you need it..and yes..you need to go away and get a life worth living.

[Lori Taylor]

Yes, we all agree that Kanye was not professional during the awards. However, he did apologize. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I feel the public is trying to crucify him. Keep your head up Kanye West, mistakes are going to happen. An apology was given. What's sad to see is how unforgiving people can be.

[liz]

I dono man, sometimes just a lame little "sorry" doesn't really cut it.

[Ann M]

I have to disagree with Lori. The public unforgiving? Rather the public too often has the memory span of a fish. Kanye, who does not lack attention, stole the moment of a teenage girl who was clearly overcome with joy at her win. Now that win is tarnished and she'll never get her moment back. If this was your daughter, how would you feel? What decent ADULT would do what Kanye did? His behavior was ridiculous and we should demand more from a grown man, apology or not.

[Arthur M.]

I don't think, this Candy West dude thinks he some big shot cause he rapps crap? He can't even sing, so who does he think he is to interrup a young inocent real singer, actress, writer, etc. to say what he said. I think Beyonce is one of hottest female singers now days, but there was no need for what Candy Kane West did.. I will never listen to his crappy musice again! He should be banned from all radio stations fire his candy as.

[tamara]

kanye it shows you are so ignorant and u should be ashamed of urself!That was so hurt full and that was Taylor's first vma award i love Beyonce,but she had her many moments and Taylor is just trying to make her debut out to the world and you ruined it.

[Clint S.]

I just cant get the image of her sad face on stage. She was so happy then it just a turn around because some rapper thought only his opinion was important. He is not a little kid, you dont just send him to the principal to apologize and everything all better...idiot. Thanks to Beyonce who had all the class and had Taylor come back out to finish what is probably a rare moment in her life. no one is trying to crucify him, in our society we have rules and ethics and consequences. Suffer Kanye suffer

[John B>]

Good thing I pirated all of this dude's album. I threw it all away just now hahaha.

[Amber]

I agree what he did was a very mean and hurtful thing and yes he is a jerk for it. People makes mistakes were all human. Everyone thinks that celebs have to be perfect and not make mistakes, Most people really like Kanye, but one of the times he slips up everyone is so quick to turn and say "oh, i hate him now, and i will never listen to his music away". Forgive the man and move on. If taylor can Why cant we? He is going thru some hard times, that doesnt mean i agree with what he did. I just think were all quick to turn on someone for making a mistake but if it were you that made the mistake wouldnt you want people to forgive you?