“Kanye West said something controversial”—has there ever been a more redundant sentence?
If you’re a pop culture fan and read the news, you would have heard about Kanye West’s strange series of actions. Continue reading to follow the timeline of his odd behavior from 2005 – 2022 as he flaunts his ego and brash arrogance!
Fundraiser or protest? (2005)
“George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”
This controversial comment from Kanye West during a live telethon to raise money for Hurricane Katrina created quite a stir. The rapper had been frustrated at how mismanaged the relief efforts were in New Orleans and other predominantly poor neighborhoods. He probably thought the fundraiser was the perfect place to voice his concerns.
The million dollars video (2006)
“Pamela Anderson was in it.”
Kanye West was outraged when his video for ‘Touch the Sky’ lost to Justice, and Simian’s clip for ‘We Are Your Friends’ at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards. Taking the microphone away from a pair of winners, he complained that his video should have won because it “cost a million dollars. Pamela Anderson was in it. I was jumping across canyons. If I don’t win, the awards show loses credibility.”
Kanye vs. Taylor pt. 1 (2009)
“Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time.”
At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West again interrupted an acceptance speech to question Taylor Swift winning an award for Best Female Video. “Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time,” Kanye shouted to then-17-year-old Swift.
Kardashian vs. Obama (2013)
“Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a [sexy swimsuit] pic.”
As he tried to pitch Kim Kardashian to be on the cover of Vogue, Kanye West strangely challenged Michelle Obama to pose for a sexy swimsuit photo. “No one is looking at what [the president] is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a [sexy swimsuit] pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day,” he said about Obama, who had previously been featured in more modest clothing.
True Trump supporter (2016)
“I love Donald Trump.”
Kanye West publicly declared his adoration for Donald Trump in 2011 when he told concertgoers he would’ve voted for the Republican candidate. “That doesn’t mean I don’t think black lives matter,” he said at a San Jose show. “It doesn’t mean I don’t believe in women’s rights.”
Kanye vs. Taylor pt. 2 (2016)
“I made that b***h famous.”
The rapper’s song “Famous,” which included the provocative line “I made that b***h famous,” caused the pair’s dispute to resurface in 2016. When Swift spoke against the lyric, West claimed they had previously discussed the line. However, four years later, leaked audio revealed that Swift was unaware of the lyrics before its release.
Choice or not? (2018)
“Slavery is a choice.”
This controversial statement from Ye is probably the most shocking one. In an interview with TMZ, Kanye West made a provocative statement about slavery and its impact on African Americans. “When you hear about slavery for 400 years. For 400 years? That sounds like a choice,” he said.
Poor Pete (2022)
“I can beat Pete Davidson’s a**.”
Kanye West continued to stir controversy after making comments about comedian Pete Davidson. The rapper made himself the center of attention when he lashed out at Davidson on the song ‘Eazy’: “God saved me from that crash. Just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s a**.” As per close sources, Davidson is seeking therapy for online harassment he has endured at the hands of Ye.
Death of Queen Elizabeth II (2022)
“I lost my queen too.”
Kanye decided to make the passing of the late monarch about him by drawing parallels between Queen Elizabeth II and his ex-wife. “London, I know how you feel. I lost my queen too,” he mentioned in an Instagram Story, referring to his separation from Kardashian.
Paris Fashion Week (2022)
“White Lives Matter.”
Kanye West made a statement at Paris Fashion Week when he wore a t-shirt that read “White Lives Matter,” and chaos ensued. Candace Owens, a controversial conservative influencer, was invited to his Yeezy SZN 9 fashion show, where West told attendees, “You can’t manage me. This is an unmanageable situation.”