As Ye faces severe backlash for his latest statements we explore the consequences of free speech.
The controversial artist has finally been shown the metaphorical door. With brands and fellow peers in the industry calling him out and severing business ties due to the many contentious statements he’s made over the last few months and very significantly his latest, is it safe to assume that no one, not even Ye himself is untouchable?
Since arriving on the scene he has been lauded as a visionary in the music industry and has the awards to back this up but he was never far from controversy. Whether it is ruining a significant moment for Taylor Swift or having beef with other rappers, his feud with his ex-wife, Kanye has always felt the need to express his opinion loudly and without apology.
But this time his opinion had far reaching implications that could not be ignored. His anti-semetic statements proved the final nail in the coffin for all the brands and peers associated with him. What compounded the situation was the demonstration of Neo-nazi’s supporting his rhetoric.
Adidas stands to lose an estimated 250 million euros by ending this partnership. JP Morgan, his financial firm has dropped him, CAA, his talent management firm held the same stance and severed their ties. Gap announced that they will be removing all YEEZY Gap products from their store as well as shutting down the @yzy Gap website.
A question we have to ask ourselves is are we to blame for allowing him to continue unchecked? To be honest many of us saw this coming and stood idly by and watched this like a bystander witnessing a car crash. Free speech is not free from consequences.
Amidst all the controversy one question on everyone’s mind is what’s next for Ye?
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