This week has been a difficult one for Kanye West fans as they struggle to defend him to friends, colleagues and family during his eyebrow-raising 'stream of consciousness' Twitter posts.
Last week he reminded everyone how much he loves Donald Trump with a series of tweets not only stating that he and Trump have the same ‘dragon energy’ but also calling out Obama for not doing enough for West's home town of Chicago.
West had to be reminded by friend John Legend of just how big a platform he has, and that he needs to be careful when throwing his support behind people who are so controversial.
‘Hey it’s JL.’ Legend text West, in a conversation which West later posted to Twitter.
‘I hope you’ll reconsider aligning yourself with Trump. You’re way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for. As you know, what you say really means something to your fans. They are loyal to you and respect your opinion.
'So many people who love you feel so betrayed right now because they know the harm that Trump’s policies cause, especially to people of colour. Don’t let this be part of your legacy. You’re the greatest artist of our generation.'
Even after Legend’s warnings, West has gone a step further by claiming ‘slavery was a choice’ on an episode of TMZ live, a daily one hour entertainment news show filmed inside TMZ’s newsroom.
‘When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... For 400 years? That sounds like a choice,’ West said. ‘You were there for 400 years and it's all of y'all. It's like we're mentally imprisoned.’
After shocked looks from the room, one TMZ employee Van Lathan confronted West and gave the perfect response.
"While you are making music and being an artist and living the life that you've earned by being a genius, the rest of us in society have to deal with these threats to our lives," Lathan said. "We have to deal with the marginalization that's come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice."
Kanye has since tried to clarify what he meant, claiming he meant mental slavery not physical slavery.
People have been calling Van Lathan a hero for his smart and measured response, but just like his hero Trump, Kanye keeps on tweeting.
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