Kanye West's latest string of controversies intensified as the rapper-turned-fashion-mogul launched a Swastika-themed T-shirt on his Yeezy website while continuing a series of antisemitic posts and inflammatory statements on X. The $20 shirt was the sole item available for sale on his site as of Monday morning, despite West previously stating, "I would never sell a swastika tee because people could be physically harmed wearing it ... I love my fans and supporters."
The launch of the controversial merchandise followed a weekend of incendiary remarks, including posts where West praised Adolf Hitler, stated, "IM A NAZI," and declared, "I LOVE HITLER NOW WHAT B*****ES." His tirade, which included misogynistic comments and a defense of embattled music executive Sean "Diddy" Combs, culminated in the deactivation of his X account on Monday.
Before his account went dark, West attacked pop star Taylor Swift for singing along to Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance, which featured his diss track "Not Like Us" targeting rapper Drake. "WHY ARE WE LETTING TAYLOR SWIFT BE SEEN ON TV SINGING A SONG ABOUT TAKING A BLACK MAN DOWN AND ACCUSING OF THINGS THAT CAN TAKE A BLACK MAN DOWN FOR LIFE," he wrote, adding, "KENDRICK IS BEING USED BY THESE WHITE PEOPLE AND JEWS AND SO AM I."
The controversy surrounding West's remarks comes amid his continued fall from grace in the fashion and entertainment industries. His antisemitic statements in recent years led to the loss of major partnerships, including Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, as well as the severing of ties with Hollywood agencies and financial institutions.
West's latest tirade also included a shocking admission of past domestic violence. "LET ME START BY SAYING. I HAVE HIT WOMEN BEFORE," he wrote, while drawing comparisons between himself, Kendrick Lamar, and Combs. "DRAKE SAID KENDRICK HIT HIS GIRL. BUT THAT IS NOT RECORDED ON TAPE LIKE THE PUFF VIDEO. I AM IN LA RIGHT NOW AT THE 4 SEASONS. I AM RISKING MY LIFE TO TWEET THIS." He continued by alleging that the entertainment industry arbitrarily chooses who to hold accountable, writing, "THEY PICK WHICH NI**AS THEY WANT TO PROP UP AND WHO THEY WANT TO PUT DOWN."
West's support for Combs, who is currently in federal custody on sex trafficking charges, further fueled backlash. He reposted videos showing Combs assaulting singer Cassie in 2016 and suggested that powerful figures were conspiring to suppress certain individuals while elevating others.
His remarks extended beyond racial and religious lines, taking aim at women as well. "A FAT BI**H MAY TRY TO KILL ME," he wrote in another post, adding, "IF THIS IS MY LAST DAY ON EARTH PLAY THIS IN MY MOVIE."
The fallout from West's statements prompted renewed calls for accountability. The StopAntisemitism organization, which previously named him "Antisemite of the Year," condemned his remarks. Meanwhile, the controversial launch of the Swastika T-shirt raised concerns over whether his latest actions were intended to incite violence or further provoke outrage.
The Yeezy founder's inflammatory remarks have left observers questioning whether his latest outbursts are part of an intentional strategy to court controversy or a sign of deeper personal struggles. His behavior in recent years has sparked speculation about his mental health, particularly in light of his past admissions about living with bipolar disorder. However, West has repeatedly dismissed any concerns, maintaining that his statements are deliberate and reflect his true beliefs.
While his X account remains deactivated, West's history suggests that his absence from the platform may be temporary.
