Kanye West’s anti-Semitism: What the rapper said and how people reacted | Ents and art news

Kanye West has been widely condemned for his recent anti-Semitic comments, but the rapper has had a history of controversial statements.

A 45-year-old man who legally changed his name to E last year saw a completed documentary about him on the shelf, and he was dumped by his talent agency, fashion label Balenciaga and his bank, JP Morgan. Adidas is the latest company to end its partnership with West.

Here’s a look at what West said and other controversial comments he’s made in the past.

What were his last comments?

Earlier this month West tweet to say before claiming he wasn’t “anti-semitic because black people are actually jews too” he “beat 3 jews to death”.

He added: “You guys played with me and tried to kill anyone who opposes your agenda.”

The post has since been removed.

It comes after he accused record producer Sean “Diddy” Combs of being controlled by the “Jewish people” in an Instagram post.

What was the reaction?

Many people condemned West’s comments, and several brands distanced themselves from him.

He was banned from posting, commenting and messaging on Instagram and had his account blocked on Twitter.

In response, Zach said it would buy social media platform Parlerwhich claims to be “a viewpoint-neutral social media app dedicated to freedom of expression, civil discourse and user privacy.”

He has an ex-wife, Kim Kardashian condemned his commentsposting on Instagram and Twitter: “Hate speech is never okay and can never be justified. I stand with the Jewish community and call for an immediate end to the horrific violence and hateful rhetoric directed at them.”

In 2020, she opened up about her then-husband’s struggle with bipolar disorder.

She said that “those close to Kanye know his heart and understand that his words sometimes do not match his intentions.”

Responding to his latest comments, comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted: “Kanye threatened Jews yesterday on Twitter and it’s not even trending. Why is it mostly only Jews who speak out against Jew-hatred? The silence is so loud.”

However, some supported the rapper. An anti-Semitic group in the US reportedly unfurled a banner reading “Kanye is right about the Jews” and gave a Nazi salute on an overpass in Los Angeles.

The move was met with backlash on social media, with Silverman sharing a photo of the demonstration with the caption: “Let me guess: it’s not time to be afraid.”

Actor and writer Dan Levy did the same, commenting: “Damn, that ignorant, dangerous bull****.”

Actress Florence Pugh shared a photo of the banner on her Instagram story and wrote: “Absolutely horrifying.”

Reese Witherspoon tweeted: “Anti-Semitism in any form is deplorable. Personally. On the Internet. It doesn’t matter where. This is hate and it is not acceptable.

“I completely understand why my Jewish friends/colleagues fear for their families. This is a very scary time.”

What did he say in the past?

West has also made several other controversial remarks recently, including suggesting that slavery was a “choice” and calling the COVID-19 vaccine “the mark of the beast.”

He caused a stir at Paris Fashion Week after wearing a T-shirt that read “White Lives Matter” in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, says White Lives Matter is a neo-Nazi group.

During his appearance on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show, West made several remarks about Jews and money.

He has previously been criticized for expressing support for Donald Trump and wearing Make America Great Again (MAGA) hats.

West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017 and has opened up about his mental health.

In an interview with David Letterman in 2019, he said, “When you’re in that state, you’re hyper-paranoid about everything, everybody.

“This is my experience, other people have different experiences. Now all the actors. Everything is a conspiracy. You feel like the government is putting chips in your head. You feel like you’re being recorded. You feel all these things.’

Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings that can range from extreme highs to extreme lows, according to the NHS website.

Sufferers may experience episodes of mania and depression that often last for weeks or months.

People with bipolar disorder may make uncharacteristic and risky decisions, often without realizing their harmful consequences.

Commentators, however, say that a person’s mental health cannot justify his abusive behavior.

Ari Emanuel, chief executive of entertainment and media company Endeavor, wrote in Financial Times: “Mental illness is no excuse for racism, hatred or anti-Semitism. Millions of people affected by mental illness do not support hateful ideologies. Others dismiss his comments as mere words, but hateful words too easily become hateful actions.”