Kanye West, now known as Ye, has once again sparked controversy by selling T-shirts with swastikas on his website. This latest move comes after a week filled with hateful and inflammatory posts on his X account, where he has shared antisemitic, homophobic, and misogynistic rhetoric to his over 32 million followers. The T-shirts, priced at $20, are part of his Yeezy brand, which he actively promoted during the Super Bowl through a local TV ad. In the ad, West appeared to record a 30-second spot on his iPhone while sitting in a dentist’s office, urging viewers to visit his website. However, the ad was not a national broadcast on Fox but was instead aired in select markets, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Fox, which aired the Super Bowl, did not respond to CNN’s request for comment, but the network does not have control over all commercials aired by its affiliates.
The backlash against West has been swift and widespread. Jewish groups, celebrities, anti-hate organizations, and other X users have called on Elon Musk’s platform to take action against West’s hate speech. Some of his posts, including those containing homophobic statements and advocating violence against Jewish people, have been flagged by X with a warning that they may violate the platform’s rules against hateful conduct. These posts have been restricted from being replied to, shared, or liked. Despite this, West’s rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism from organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which condemned his use of the swastika—a symbol deeply associated with Nazi ideology and antisemitism. The ADL emphasized that there is no excuse for such behavior and that the swastika continues to threaten and instill fear in those targeted by hate.
In response to the growing criticism, West appeared to deactivate his X account on Sunday evening, posting, “I’m logging out of Twitter. I appreciate Elon for allowing me to vent. It has been very cathartic to use the world as a sounding board.” However, before deactivating, West’s account was classified as “NSFW” (not safe for work) by Musk, who acknowledged that West’s posts crossed a line. This is not the first time West has faced consequences for his online behavior; he was previously suspended from Twitter in 2022 for what Musk described as “incitement to violence.” His account was reinstated in July 2023, but his recent actions have raised questions about the platform’s ability to curb hate speech.
West’s latest controversy adds to a long history of polarizing behavior and remarks. In a recent podcast appearance, he revealed that he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder but now believes he has autism. West suggested that this diagnosis has helped him better understand himself, though it remains unclear how this revelation will impact his public image or behavior. Meanwhile, his previous inflammatory comments have already had real-world consequences, leading to the end of several high-profile business relationships, including with major brands like Gap and Adidas. Those close to West have also revealed that he has long been fascinated with Adolf Hitler, even considering naming an album after the former Nazi leader in the past.
The recent sale of T-shirts with swastikas has further entrenched West’s reputation as a figure willing to push boundaries and provoke outrage. Shopify, the platform hosting West’s Yeezy website, has faced criticism for allowing the sale of these items, though the company did not respond to CNN’s request for comment. For many, West’s actions represent a dangerous normalization of hate symbols and ideologies, with the potential to harm vulnerable communities. As the ADL and others have made clear, the swastika is not just a harmless symbol but a powerful emblem of hatred and oppression that continues to have real-world consequences.
In the broader context, West’s behavior highlights ongoing challenges in regulating hate speech on social media and the responsibility of platforms to address such content. While some have defended West’s right to free speech, others argue that his rhetoric crosses a line into incitement and harassment. As West continues to navigate the fallout from his recent actions, it remains to be seen how this latest chapter in his career will affect his relationships with fans, business partners, and the wider public. One thing is certain, however: Kanye West’s willingness to court controversy and push boundaries shows no signs of slowing down.
