Ex Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen Condemns Kanye West’s Antisemitism
“I’m deeply upset and troubled by your latest actions involving the usage of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric.”
Former Def Jam Recordings CEO Lyor Cohen has penned an open letter to his former artist Kanye West, who has as soon as once more been on the heart of controversy. Following a deluge of antisemitic, sexist and different hateful tweets, Cohen felt moved to handle West straight.
“I’m deeply upset and troubled by your latest actions involving the usage of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric,” Cohen started. “Your phrases and actions aren’t solely offensive however triggering to all first rate individuals who acknowledge the horrors of the Holocaust and the struggling of hundreds of thousands.
“With antisemitism on the rise, your voice and affect carry a big duty. I urge you to be extra delicate to the ache your phrases inflict on Jewish communities and all those that stand towards hate.”
Kanye West (Ye) on Twitter: 32.3M followers.
Jewish inhabitants worldwide: 15.7M.When you’re bored with listening to about antisemitism, think about how drained we’re of residing it.
Time to begin talking up and condemning hate—not simply ignoring it as a result of it’s directed in the direction of Jews. pic.twitter.com/1BnjUDQM8e
— Dov Forman (@DovForman) February 7, 2025
Cohen went on to replicate on the affect West might have if he redirected his vitality towards one thing extra optimistic.
“Your expertise and attain might be used to heal and encourage, to bridge divides and promote understanding. As a substitute, you’ve chosen a path that sows discord and perpetuates dangerous stereotypes,” he continued. “The Jewish and Black experiences share a wealthy historical past of collaboration and mutual help, notably within the music trade. From the early days of jazz and blues to the groundbreaking work of Motown and past, our communities have enriched one another by means of music and tradition.”
He concluded with a call-to-action, saying, “I urge you to replicate on this shared legacy and use your platform to construct upon the love and understanding which have at all times existed between our communities.”
Kanye West was signed to Def Jam Recordings in 2002. He initially joined the label as a producer, and by 2004, Def Jam signed him as a solo artist. His debut album, The Faculty Dropout, was launched underneath Def Jam in February 2004, marking the beginning of his profession as a solo artist underneath the label. Kanye remained with Def Jam for a number of years, releasing albums like Late Registration (2005), Commencement (2007), 808s & Heartbreak (2008) and My Stunning Darkish Twisted Fantasy (2010).
Over time, West has spiraled into somebody his most ardent, day-one followers barely acknowledge. His newest antisemitic outburst is beginning to endure actual penalties—from his expertise company dropping him to his Yeezy web site and Twitter (X) account being deactivated.
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