Rapper Kanye West, a prominent Donald Trump supporter, declared on Tuesday that he had been “used to spread messages I don’t believe in” and would now be “distancing” himself from politics.
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
West’s falling out appears to be not with Trump but Candace Owens, a conservative commentator and activist.
On Twitter on Tuesday, West said he supports prison reform, common-sense gun laws and compassion for people seeking asylum, then denied that he had designed a logo for a branding exercise known as “Blexit,” which urges African Americans to leave the Democratic party. The concept, originated by Owens, claimed that West had designed the group’s merchandise.
“I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didn’t want their name on it so she used mine,” West wrote. “I never wanted any association with Blexit. I have nothing to do with it.”
He then followed up: “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 !!!”
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
According to media reports, Owens had claimed that West designed the logo and colours of Blexit. On Monday, as controversy grew, she released a statement playing down his role, insisting: “BLEXIT is a project that is mine entirely. I am blessed that Ye [West] introduced me to a designer who despite having totally different beliefs than me, helped me craft some beautiful letters that I used on the BLEXIT caps.”
She added: “#BLEXIT is about the beautiful stories of so many black people who have awakened themselves to the possibilities of our future, as Americans. The press is trying to use Kanye’s name to create drama and further divisiveness which is WRONG.”
#BLEXIT is about the beautiful stories of so many black people who have awakened themselves to the possibilities of our future, as Americans.
The press is trying to use Kanye’s name to create drama and further divisiveness which is WRONG.
Here is statement of clarity from me: pic.twitter.com/PJSdM2PRFi
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 29, 2018
During a visit to the White House recently, West commented: “You know, people expect that if you’re black you have to be Democrat. I’ve had conversations that basically said that welfare is the reason why a lot of black people end up being Democrat.”
West who was wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap, told President Trump: “It was something about when I put this hat on, it made me feel like Superman. You made a Superman. That’s my favorite superhero. And you made a Superman cape.”
West has faced widespread criticism for his comments and for his endorsement of a president who critics accuse of fostering white nationalism.
West also suggested abolishing the 13th Amendment and that slavery was a choice.
