Kanye West has responded to backlash over him wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt this week by stating: “Everyone knows Black Lives Matter is a scam.”
The rapper doubled down on his views, writing on his Instagram Stories today (October 4) that the Black Lives Matter movement “is a scam”. He added: “Now it’s over…you’re welcome”.
Ye wore a shirt with the words “White Lives Matter” emblazoned on the back yesterday (October 3) during a live-streamed presentation of his new Yeezy fashion line. It followed her making her catwalk debut at Balenciaga’s Paris Fashion Week show over the weekend.
As Rolling stone points out, the phrase – an appropriation of the slogan Black Lives Matter used to protest racial injustice, discrimination, and police brutality – has been adopted by white supremacist organizations in recent years. It was categorized by the Anti-Defamation League as a hate slogan.
Kanye West and Candace Owens wear “White Lives Matter” shirts at a fashion show in Paris. pic.twitter.com/eJekZ8cGhe
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 3, 2022
While at the event West was photographed standing next to conservative black commentator Candace Owens, who has been vocally critical of the Black Lives Matter movement. He also wears a shirt with the words “White Lives Matter” on the back.
After photos emerged from the event, artists including Jaden Smith and Boosie responded to West’s controversial outfit choices. The first to share a series of tweets explain that he left West’s show because he didn’t “feel the message”, stating that “Black Life Matters” and “True Leaders Lead”.
Black Life Problem
— Jaden (@jaden) October 3, 2022
In his own vehement Tweet, Boosie also wrote: “AFTER EVERYTHING WE DO AS A RACE YOU CREATE THIS ILLEGAL FUCK. U DID NOT GIVE ANYTHING ABOUT HOW BLACK WOMEN HAVE DIED N SUFFERING WHITE PEOPLE’S HANDS. NU SAYS BUSH DON’T LIKE BLACK PEOPLE.. REALLY ‘N****’.”
West has a long history of making controversial statements regarding politics and race in recent years, particularly in 2018. That year, he voiced his support for Donald Trump (openly donned the red hat of the ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign on several occasions.) Owens on Twitter.
West also got a backlash in April 2018 when he claimed, “When you hear about 400 years of slavery… 400 years? That sounds like an option.” A few months later, in August of that year, West apologized for his comments about slavery and his choice to wear the MAGA hat.
