Kanye West defends wearing White Lives Matter shirt to Tucker Carlson: 'The idea of me wearing it was funny'
Kanye West stopped by Fox News on Thursday after drawing backlash for wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt, explaining he did so because of his "connection with God."
The rapper appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight days after sparking controversy for wearing a shirt that said "White Lives Matter" at a fashion show. West, who has legally changed his name to Ye, compared wearing the shirt to Tonya Harding performing a triple axel.
"I do certain things from a feeling," he said. "I just channel the energy. It just feels right. It's using a gut instinct, a connection with God, and just brilliance."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But West also told Carlson he wore the shirt because he "thought the idea of me wearing it was funny," adding, "The answer to why I wrote 'White Lives Matter' on a shirt is because they do. It's the obvious thing."
The Daily Beast columnist Wajahat Ali argued the shirt served as a "billboard for white nationalists," while The Atlantic writer Jemele Hill called it a "dangerously dumb message," adding, "the REASON we don't have to say white lives matter is because white lives have never NOT mattered."
Elsewhere in the interview, West claimed his "so-called friends-slash-handlers" told him he would "be killed" for supporting former President Donald Trump, and he criticized his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, for putting her "a-- out" on a magazine cover. West also told Carlson he is pro-life, and he wore a lanyard with a photo of an ultrasound during the appearance.
Adidas said Thursday it's placing its partnership with West under review in the wake of the White Lives Matter controversy, leading the rapper to respond on Instagram, "I AM ADIDAS."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 21, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - wild cards, wild turkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Say Nothing: 'sensational' dramatisation of Patrick Radden Keefe's bestselling book
The Week Recommends The series is a 'powerful reminder' of the Troubles
By The Week UK Published
-
Joy: fertility film starring Bill Nighy offers 'dose of seasonal cheer'
The Week Recommends The film about the invention of the fertility treatment is 'unassuming' but may 'sneak up on you'
By The Week UK Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published