Kanye West: 'I quit Kardashian reality show over backlash'

Kanye West refused to be filmed for Kim Kardashian's reality TV show because of the backlash he suffered when the couple's relationship was first thrust into the spotlight.

The rapper is currently expecting a baby with his socialite girlfriend, but he has been noticeably absent from her various fly-on-the-wall reality shows in recent months.

West has now opened up about his decision to step away from his partner's projects, revealing he was hit with harsh criticism for going public with his relationship on TV.

He tells the New York Times, "The amount of backlash I got from it is when I decided to not be on the show anymore (sic). And it's not that I have an issue with the show; I just have an issue with the amount of backlash that I get..."

West also insists he doesn't want his unborn baby to become a focus on Kardashian's shows, adding, "I would do anything to protect my child or my child's mother. As simple as that... I just don't want to talk to America about my family. Like, this is my baby. This isn't America's baby."