Keeping Up with Kanye: The King of Controversy

Ye this, Ye that, one thing we know for sure is that he never fails to keep us on our toes.

by MIA JONES ★ OCTOBER 19, 2022

Per usual, Ye is stirring the pot in most people’s worlds, and we need to talk about it. For starters, many have heard about his “White Lives Matter” shirt that he and Republican commentator Candace Owens wore at his Yeezy Season 9 show during Paris Fashion Week a couple of weeks ago. In addition to him and Owens wearing this highly criticized slogan, he also had his models (including African American models) wear the shirt while strutting down the catwalk, although Naomi Campbell, who was featured in the show, was not wearing the clothing item in question.

Credit: People.com

This shirt is definitely something. Kanye has received lots of backlash from the general public for wearing this shirt, along with celebrities such as Jaden Smith. Smith tweeted that he “dipped” and left the show early because he did not support the message, and later tweeted that “Black Lives Matter.” Smith also reminded his followers to “follow your own morals, not people.” This is indeed a good reminder, especially since the phrase “White Lives Matter” has been used to discredit and take attention away from the whole idea of the Black Lives Matter movement. BLM’s message, along with other anti-police brutality organizations, has been that our country needs to do better in reversing systematic discrimination against African Americans. And c’mon, the phrase was literally deemed a “hate slogan” by the Anti-Defamation league. Everyone should have their own opinion, but not at the expense of others and their efforts for progress, please and thank you Kanye. 

Another criticism of this disputed fashion choice came from Vogue’s fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Kaefra-Johnson, who was in attendance at Ye’s Paris Fashion Week presentation. In response to this criticism, Kanye trashed her style and even questioned her role in the fashion world Both Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber rushed to defend Kaefra-Johnson, as they should. Vogue came in as well to defend Kaefra-Johnson’s hard work and good character, which she’s known for in the industry. Ye and Kaefra-Johnson meet up to talk everything out and express their feelings of hurt, but the fashion editor made sure to reiterate her thoughts on Ye’s show. Kanye also lashed out at Hailey Biber via social media, and if you’re wondering, yes, this did cause Justin Bieber to allegedly end his long-time friendship with Ye. If West keeps acting out with strong words and controversial moves, will this damage more friendships in the future?

Credit: Koimoi.com

A little over a week ago Kanye tweeted some very anti-Semitic remarks that drew tons of backlash and criticism. There is no room for anti-Semitism in America, as well as in the rest of the world, people. Everyone from Jamie Lee Curtis to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to John Legend spoke out on this take from West. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that “it is important to see how harmful + dangerous Kanye’s words are”, and Jamie Lee Curtis reminded Kanye that he is a father and he should stop with his hateful words. In an interview that the actress recently did with Hoda Kotb on the TODAY show, Curtis further commented that she burst into tears after waking up and reading Ye’s remarks. Additionally, she stated the following during the interview: “It’s bad enough that facism is on the rise around the world. But on Twitter, on a portal, to pour that in? As if Jewish people haven’t had it hard enough?” This is an important thought since West’s tweets could further perpetuate attacks against Jews. Ye’s comments led to his Twitter and Instagram accounts being suspended, which was definitely needed. 

Credit: Insider

May we also mention that Kanye called Lizzo’s body image “clinically unhealthy” earlier this month when he was on Tucker Carlson’s night show. Even though Lizzo is historically Ye’s “friend”, he used her as an example in his critique of the body positivity movement. Additionally, after terminating his partnership with Gap, he is now making the decision to end his collaboration with Adidas, stating that he wants to do things independently. Adidas has also apparently put their partnership under review due to his recent controversies. Maybe that’s what’s best for Kanye, considering that, most likely, not many people would like to be associated with him now. 

Credit: eonline.com

Even with all of the controversy and issues surrounding Ye, many people will still continue to support his work and music in the future, but let’s remember that we should separate the art from the artist, especially in Kanye’s case. I will say that I have heard very promising things about the Yeezy x GAP sweatshirts, but if you do purchase anything from the Yeezy line, or even listen to Kanye’s music, just know the antics of the person behind it. Even if Kanye is participating in some very wrongful and harmful endeavors with his platform and fame, he is still receiving publicity and attention, and therefore money, from everything that he is doing. This is an important thought to keep in mind, ladies and gents of UGirl. 

So the question remains: Can Ye ever be canceled? 

Cover Photo Credit: Variety