For those who do not know Kayne West or aren’t on that side of the internet congratulations, your algorithms saved you another headache. West, also known as “Ye,” is a famous American rapper that is known for being arrogant and saying whatever comes to mind without thinking. Although the media and his fans were able to separate his music from his actions for a while now. It has come to a point where the comments West has been making are real issues that can harm people. 

West said on the Drink Champs Podcast on October 16, “I can say antisemitic shit, and Adidas can’t drop me.” Less than a week later, Adidas dropped its partnership with West. Since then various companies West was affiliated with have cut ties with him including his own talent agency, Creative Artists Agency, as well as Gap, Balenciaga, Skechers, TJ Maxx, Foot Locker, Donda Sports, and Christie’s who will stop selling Yeezy merchandise at their stores. 

As a result, Forbes no longer lists West as a billionaire. Even Def Jam Records stopped working with West on Tuesday, making a statement that “there is no place for antisemitism in our society. We are deeply committed to combating antisemitism and every other form of prejudice.” 

Media Rights Capital Entertainment, the company creating West’s documentary, scrapped the project, saying that MRC Entertainment “cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.”

At this point, West is targeting groups and saying prejudiced things that have a real effect on people. Students who are fans of West are sad to see him act like this. Specifically, Olivia Keeler, a third year at SSU has spoken about her concerns about West and how he is ruining his legacy for attention that is hard to watch. Keeler explained that she is a big fan of West but “he has been causing controversy for a very long time” and she could “separate his actions from his great music, but his recent antisemitic comments were the last straw for me.” 

What goes on in West’s head will continue to be a mystery. He is not someone that should be using his platform to influence people with his hatred. 

Another SSU student, Marcellus Sands, a communications major said he “mentally let Kayne go when he was trying to run for president” and that he realized West is not for the people. Sands also stated, “The one good thing he does is make good shoes.” 

There are groups of people, particularly on Twitter, who agree with what West said when he made his antisemitic remarks. Twitter user @Mattxiv posted an image of people on an overpass in Los Angeles with banners that read, “Kayne is right about the Jews.” The Twitter user sarcastically stated that “Kayne is just trolling it’s not like everyone takes him seriously.” How this is affecting the Jewish community was clear from the comments left on the image. One Twitter user quote tweeted the image saying “This is not free speech. This is hate speech.” 

West’s comments are giving antisemitic groups a voice and a platform. Fortunately, West’s social media accounts have been restricted, meaning he can no longer post, but his previous posts, that have not been taken down for violating community guidelines, are still available. West trolling for what he thinks is satire does not matter. People like West can not be allowed a platform to spread hateful messages.