If you’ve been anywhere across the vast stretch of the internet, then you most likely might have heard about Ye’s recent controversy. From his whole spiel on his “White Lives Matter” statements to his blatant antisemitism, it is no surprise that many companies have started to distance themselves from him. So, what happened?

Over the years, Ye has been known for being a very influential figure in the realm of social media. His controversial actions yet unwavering self-confidence has led people to refer to his demeanor as the “Kanye West Effect”. These actions include but are not limited to interrupting Taylor’s acceptance of an award at the VMAs to say that Beyonce should have won, peeing on a Grammy award, wearing a White Lives Matter shirt to Paris fashion week, and most famously, stating that racism is a choice. 

News around the artist seemed to have died down after Ye’s recent bid for president; however, in October of 2022, Kanye unleashed a string of antisemitic comments. Some of these statements imply that Jewish people created “cancel culture” as well as stating that Jewish individuals “blackball” anyone who opposes their agenda. Furthermore, a combination of his generally distasteful tweets and comments has ultimately led him to be canceled and dropped by numerous partnerships, including Gap, Balenciaga, and Adidas. Furthermore, it has led to certain companies completely cutting their ties or future works with Ye, of which include Skechers (who kicked Ye out promptly after he went to the Sketcher’s HQ) and Vogue (who have stated that they no longer have any intention of working with Ye in the future). Even with all the recent events that have interfered with Ye’s social standing, he still continues to incite antisemitism.

Listed below is a short but not finite list of antisemitic comments that Ye has made publicly:

“I prefer my kids knew Hannukah from Kwanzaa. At least it will come with some financial engineering.”

“I just think that’s what they’re about, is making money,” West said, referencing  Jared Kushner and his Jewish family.

“Planned Parenthood was made by Margaret Sanger, a known eugenics, with the KKK to control the Jew population. When I say Jew, I mean the 12 lost tribes of Judah, the blood of Christ, who the people known as the race Black really are. This is who our people are.”

“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone who opposes your agenda.”

So why exactly are these comments harmful? Ye has a large social media platform with about 30 million people following him on Twitter alone. To put that into perspective, that is more than double the number of Jews worldwide. As such, his antisemitic rhetoric is amplified and millions of people see it. Whether or not these individuals dismiss it as Ye being Ye, or see validity in his points, the simple exposure to these comments, normalizes antisemitism. 

Listed below is a sample of recent antisemitic incidents in the US since Kanye’s antisemitic tweeting began:

Banners were hung over a freeway in Los Angeles with statements such as “Kanye was right about the Jews”.

The LA Holocaust Museum was bombarded with inflammatory messages after Ye declined to visit the museum. 

A man showed up to a bar in New York dressed in a Nazi uniform.

Kyrie Irving tweeted a link to an antisemitic film.

Bombs threats were made to New Jersey synagogues.

So, all in all, what does it mean for the future of Ye? Only time can tell. As he is removed completely from every single company, it is hard to tell whether he will be seen as the great music artist he once was. The events aforementioned above have absolutely tarnished his reputation. It would not be too broad to assume that Ye will continue his antisemitic comments.

As for antisemitism, was this just a sudden peak in anti-Jewish rhetoric or is this behavior the beginning of something bigger?  Is Kanye solely to blame for this rise in antisemitism or could this be a coincidence? Furthermore, what restrictions can be put in place to prevent further antisemitic activity?