Kanye West has departed for Japan in the wake of intensifying backlash over his latest controversial act-an interview conducted while wearing a custom black Ku Klux Klan robe and Nazi swastika necklace-prompting outrage from civil rights groups, former associates, and international investors.
The 47-year-old rapper's choice of attire during a rambling podcast appearance reignited global criticism and further alienated an already strained fan base. West told podcast host DJ Akademiks he was leaving the U.S. because of "all these like death threats," although he clarified, "not that I'm particularly afraid of the threats, or afraid to die, it's just..." before trailing off mid-sentence.
West has often sought refuge in Japan, visiting frequently and even spending extended time there last year with his wife, Bianca Censori. However, his latest move comes amid signs that patience may be wearing thin even in his favored overseas sanctuary.
According to entertainment sources, a $20 million deal for two concerts at the Tokyo Dome is now in jeopardy. "The investors in Japan who are backing the concerts are extremely upset by this," one industry insider said. "It is highly likely that they will pull the funding for the shows."
The source added: "He has greatly misjudged the tolerance of the Japanese people toward these activities."
The Anti-Defamation League issued a strong condemnation of West's attire and rhetoric. "There is simply no excuse - none whatsoever - for a celebrity to put on a KKK robe and swastika chain for shock value. It's beyond offensive," a spokesperson told RadarOnline.com. "We've already seen antisemitic incidents resulting from Kanye's past rants. At a time when antisemitic incidents are already at historic levels, these actions speak volumes. He needs to stop this, now."
The broader fallout includes scrutiny over West's treatment of Censori, whose revealing appearance at the Grammy Awards, allegedly at his direction, has sparked concern in Japan. "Japan is having a cultural awakening about women's rights and the MeToo movement is really strong here," the source said. "What he did is being seen as an act of coercive control, which is utterly unacceptable."
West's inflammatory comments in the interview extended beyond his attire. He again targeted his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her family, criticized former collaborator Jay-Z, and referred to himself as "God on Earth."
The damage may extend beyond public image and concert revenue. West, who has long tested the boundaries of public tolerance, now finds himself in a precarious position-rejected by allies, condemned by watchdog groups, and facing economic consequences across multiple continents.
While it remains unclear if Censori accompanied him to Japan, her absence from the interview was notable amid persistent rumors of marital strain.
