HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Kanye West is taking a break from the Today Show thanks to an escalating feud with Matt Lauer.
The rapper was scheduled to perform on the NBC program the day after Thanksgiving, but he's canceled the gig over issues with the co-host and show.
"I'm not performing on the Today Show for obvious reasons," West said on Twitter early Friday.
West is fuming over how he was treated when he appeared on the program this week. In one uncomfortable moment, producers showed a clip of former President George W. Bush sharing his feelings about West called him a racist after Hurricane Katrina.
"I didn't need you guys to show me the tape in order to prompt my emotions or whatever," a clearly annoyed West told Lauer.
The "Runaway" singer also got upset when producers aired footage of him famously interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Music Awards.
"Yo, how am I supposed to talk if you're going to run the thing in the middle while I'm talking?" West complained. "Please don't let that happen again. It's ridiculous."
In his latest Twitter rant, West referred to the awkward appearance as "the set up." He also tried to downplay his anger.
"I don't hate Matt Lauer," said West. "We don't promote hate. That's the whole point!!! I promote love and truth!"
He added, "All positive energy ... all smiles. Much love to Matt and the whole Today Show. I accept ya'll future apology in advance LOL!"
Photo credit: Peter Kramer / NBC
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