Kanye West’s Music Livestream Temporarily Cut After Rapper Antisemitic Comment
By Tamantha Ryan | Feb. 9, 2024, 12:17 p.m. ET
Kanye West’s much-anticipated album listening party took an unexpected turn when the livestream was abruptly interrupted. During the event, West made an antisemitic remark, resulting in the stream going black and silent momentarily. The incident has raised questions about whether the interruption was intentional or coincidental. This article provides an overview of the incident and the response it has garnered.
Onstage Antisemitic Remark Causes Interruption
Kanye West debuted his new songs at a packed listening party held at the United Center in Chicago. The artist, wearing an eye-catching Jason Voorhees mask, performed his tracks for the audience. However, during one song, West rap the words, “And I’m still crazy, bipolar, antisemite / And I’m still the king.”
Immediately after West uttered the word “king,” the livestream abruptly cut out, leaving viewers bewildered and speculating about the reason behind the interruption. It is still unclear whether the interruption was a deliberate act due to West’s controversial history regarding antisemitism or a mere coincidence.
Controversial History and Apology
Kanye West has faced criticism in the past for his antisemitic remarks and controversial views. In earlier occasions, he has praised Adolf Hitler and made offensive statements on social media, resulting in the restriction and deletion of some of his accounts. However, it is worth noting that West has reportedly recorded a 40-minute apology video to address his past remarks and reconcile with the Jewish community.
Despite the momentary interruption, the livestream soon resumed, providing the attendees and online viewers with the chance to witness appearances by Ty Dolla $ign, West’s collaborator, and his 10-year-old daughter, North, who has been showing burgeoning rap skills.
Page Six reached out to West’s representative for comment, but there was no immediate response.
Booking Venue Challenges and Resolution
Days leading up to the listening party, West took to Instagram to express his difficulties in booking venues and requested help. In a now-deleted video message, West mentioned that the United Center was the only arena he had access to in the past year. He hinted at being blacklisted following his controversial rants and posts.
However, a few hours later, West shared that he managed to secure bookings at other venues, including UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.
Although the interruption during the livestream raises questions, Kanye West’s listening party marched forward, showcasing his new music to a captive audience. The incident serves as another chapter in West’s controversial journey, with the artist attempting to make amends for his past remarks.
