7 Biggest Kanye West Controversies: From Taylor Swift Feud to Donald Trump Support
Kanye West, now known as Ye, has been at the center of several controversies throughout his career. From public outbursts to controversial statements, the musician has never shied away from making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Here are some of the biggest controversies that Kanye West has been embroiled in over the years.
1. George Bush Doesn’t Care About Black People
One of Kanye West’s earliest controversies dates back to 2005, during a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser. West famously stated, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” causing a stir and shocking viewers nationwide.
2. Taylor Swift VMA Incident
In 2009, Kanye West infamously interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards, claiming Beyonce should have won instead. This incident sparked a feud between the two artists that lasted for years.
3. Vocal Support for Donald Trump
Kanye West openly voiced his support for Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, causing controversy among his fans and peers. His public endorsement of Trump led to backlash and criticism from many in the music industry.
4. Kanye in Debt
In 2016, Kanye West made headlines for claiming he was in a $53 million debt and publicly asking billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg for financial help. Despite his financial troubles, West continued to make headlines for his lavish lifestyle.
5. Slavery Was a Choice
During an interview in 2018, Kanye West sparked outrage when he suggested that slavery was a “choice” for African Americans. His controversial comments led to widespread condemnation and backlash from the public.
6. Kim Kardashian and Instagram Ban
Kanye West’s tumultuous relationship with Kim Kardashian came to a head in 2021 when the couple filed for divorce. West’s public outbursts and controversial messages led to him being banned from Instagram for directing racial hatred towards others.
7. ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt
In 2022, Kanye West faced backlash for designing a ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt as part of his Yeezy Season 9 collection. The controversial clothing item led to several top brands cutting ties with West and legal battles ensuing.
Kanye West’s controversies continue to keep him in the spotlight, with fans and critics alike eagerly awaiting his next headline-grabbing moment.