NASHVILLE — Kanye West and Jimmy Kimmel quickly dispelled the idea their so-called rap feud was a publicity stunt during a sometimes uncomfortable appearance on the comedian's television show. Speculation that the rapper's anger over a “Jimmy Kimmel Live” parody skit that mocked him was staged was immediate after West lashed out at Kimmel in late September. But both said that their beef was authentic during a 30-minute interview on Wednesday night's show in which West discussed a range of topics including his artistry, paparazzi, family, fashion and the idea of celebrity. Kimmel said early in the interview that he knows West personally and always found him friendly, but that he seems misunderstood. “I don't know if you know this, but a lot of people think you're a jerk,” Kimmel said after West called himself a genius. West was objecting to the idea that he's “just a celebrity.” When you said you think you're a genius, I think that upsets people,” Kimmel said. “But the truth is a lot of people think they're geniuses, but nobody says it because it's weird to say it. But it is most certainly more honest to say, ‘I am a genius.” The fight broke out the day after Kimmel hired a child actor to portray West in a recreation of an interview West gave on BBC Radio 1 in which he discussed the limitations he's faced as his fame has grown, among many other topics. — AP
