Views of Kanye West
American rapper and fashion designer Ye (/jeɪ/ YAY), commonly known by his birth name Kanye West, has garnered mainstream attention for his views on numerous political and social issues. West unsuccessfully ran for President of the United States in 2020, focusing on his opposition to abortion. In November 2022, West announced that he is running again for the presidency in the 2024 election, however no progress has been made on this course of action. On December 1, 2022, West stated that he admired Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust, and identified as a Nazi.[1][2]
West supported Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012,[3][4] Hillary Clinton in 2015,[5] Donald Trump in 2016 and initially in 2020,[6] and Francis Suarez in 2024.[7][8][9] West opposes abortion,[10] capital punishment,[11] and welfare,[12] and has supported gun rights and gay marriage.[13]
Race and antisemitism[edit]
Race relations[edit]
In 2018, West criticized the Thirteenth Amendment, citing the provision allowing slavery as punishment for a crime.[29]
In May 2018, West caused controversy when he said, "When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... for 400 years? That sounds like a choice. You were there for 400 years and it's all of y'all. It's like we're mentally imprisoned." during an appearance on TMZ.[99] West responded to the controversy on Twitter stating, "Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will. My point is for us to have stayed in that position even though the numbers were on our side means that we were mentally enslaved" and "The reason why I brought up the 400 years point is that we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought. It was just an idea. Once again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas."[100] Later, on August 29, 2018, West offered up an emotional apology for his slavery comment during a radio interview with 107.5 WGCI Chicago.[101][102][103]
In November 2016, West told black people to "stop focusing on racism", but clarified that his support for Trump did not mean he did not "believe in Black Lives Matter."[104] In June 2020, West participated in the George Floyd protests and donated $2 million to help victims of the rioting that took place during demonstrations. He also paid off Floyd's daughter's college tuition.[105][106] The following month, West stated that one of his priorities would be to end police brutality, adding that "[the] police are people too".[107]
On October 3, 2022, during his Yeezy SZN 9 fashion show in Paris, West wore a shirt with the script "WHITE LIVES MATTER",[107][108][109] a move described by Forbes as controversial.[107] According to the Anti-Defamation League, the phrase is a white supremacist slogan that was created in response to Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality.[110] Conservative commentator Candace Owens posed for a photo with West, while wearing a matching shirt with the slogan.[108][109] Following the event, West posted a story on his Instagram, stating: "Everyone know that Black Lives Matter was a scam now it's over you're welcome."[111]