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Publication: The Mass Media, , University of Massachusetts - Boston , Boston, MA
In 2022, Ye, formally known as Kanye West, went on an infamous antisemitic tirade, spouting anti-Jewish conspiracy theories and misinformation online and in public settings. The reactions to this prolonged spectacle were varied, ranging from the loss of corporate sponsorships to an outpour of support from white supremacists.
Ye’s history of erratic behavior has included conversations with right-wing figureheads—in a 2018 interview with Candance Owens, Ye claimed that “slavery was a choice” [1]—promotions of eyebrow-raising slogans, including donning a “White Lives Matter Shirt” with a photo of Pope John Paul II on the back in 2022, [2] and smiling photo ops-with former president Donald Trump. [3]
The public has been enraged, entertained and confused by Ye’s actions and claims over the years. Throughout it all, Ye has maintained a strong fanbase of people who like his music and has somewhat created a cult of personality. However, in 2022, his barrage of antisemitic remarks burst through the confines of humor and stoked the fire of white supremacy in American society.
On Oct. 8, 2022, a single tweet that Ye decided to post sparked...