Kanye West Says He's 'Distancing' Himself From Politics
After stirring up controversy for his political views, Kanye West has seemingly had a change of heart.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (Oct. 30), the rapper says he’s “distancing” himself from politics after Candace Owens used his name on shirts supporting the “Blexit” (Black Exit) campaign to encourage African-Americans to leave the Democratic Party. But according to Kanye, the designs are not his and he has nothing to do with Blexit.
“I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didn’t want their name on it so she used mine,” he tweeted. “I never wanted any association with Blexit. I have nothing to do with it.”
I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didn’t want their name on it so she used mine. I never wanted any association with Blexit. I have nothing to do with it.
— ye (@kanyewest) October 30, 2018
Owens, a conservative political activist and Trump supporter, debuted the shirt designs during a meeting for the Young Black Leadership Summit of young black conservatives in Washington, D.C. over the weekend.
“Blexit is a renaissance and I am blessed to say that this logo, these colors, were created by my dear friend and fellow superhero Kanye West,” Owens told the crowd. “[West] has taken one of the boldest steps in America to open a conversation we have needed to have.”
The T-shirts, which include the phrases “Blexit” and “We Free,” are available online for $25-28. Following his tweets, Kanye’s name has been removed from the site.
The incident has caused Kanye to rethink politics. In fact, he says that his eyes are now “wide open.” “My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in,” he said. “I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative !!!”
My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative !!!
— ye (@kanyewest) October 30, 2018
Kanye has been an outspoken Trump supporter in the past and proudly worn the MAGA hat. He even met with the President at the White House earlier this month and has shared his own hopes to run for president in 2024.
I support those who risk their lives to serve and protect us and I support holding people who misuse their power accountable.
I believe in love and compassion for people seeking asylum and parents who are fighting to protect their children from violence and war.
— ye (@kanyewest) October 30, 2018
I would like to thank my family, loved ones, and community for supporting my ACTUAL beliefs and my vision for a better world.
— ye (@kanyewest) October 30, 2018