Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kanye West

Public opinion and media debates around Kanye West—discover key moments of controversy.

Kanye Omari West, known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper and record producer celebrated for his innovative musical approach and often controversial cultural and political statements. Initially a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint,' he gained prominence with his debut album 'The College Dropout' (2004), which included the hit 'Slow Jamz.' He achieved further success with chart-topping singles like 'Gold Digger' and 'Stronger.' He has had a large cultural impact through his music and fashion, though his public persona has often faced criticism.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2005: Hurricane Katrina Criticism

In 2005, Kanye West criticized the government's racial disparities in their response to Hurricane Katrina, stating "George Bush doesn't care about black people" on live television.

November 7, 2006: Public Apology for MTV Outburst

On November 7, 2006, Kanye West publicly apologized for his outburst at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards during his performance as a support act for U2 in Brisbane.

December 2006: Evel Knievel Lawsuit

In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued Kanye West for trademark infringement of his name and likeness in West's video for "Touch the Sky".

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2009: MTV Video Music Awards Incident

In 2009, during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West interrupted to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead, leading to widespread criticism.

November 2010: Recanting Apologies for VMA Incident

In a November 2010 interview, Kanye West seemed to recant his past apologies for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident, describing his actions as "selfless".

2013: Opposition to Abortion

In 2013, Kanye West voiced his opposition to abortion, citing his belief in the Sixth Commandment.

2014: Sentenced to Probation and Other Requirements

In 2014, Kanye West was sentenced to two years' probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction related to an altercation with a paparazzo at the Los Angeles Airport. He was also required to attend 24 anger management sessions, perform 250 hours of community service, and pay restitution to the photographer.

2015: Civil Lawsuit Settled

In 2015, the separate civil lawsuit brought by the paparazzo against Kanye West was settled, a week before it was due for trial.

June 2016: Release of "Champions" and "Famous" Video

In June 2016, Kanye West released the collaborative lead single "Champions" off the GOOD Music album Cruel Winter, and also released a controversial video for "Famous".

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2018: "Slavery Was a Choice" Comment

In 2018, Kanye West stated that the 400-year enslavement of Africans "sounds like a choice", later elaborating that his comment was in reference to mental enslavement.

July 2020: Consideration of Abortion Revelation

In July 2020, during a presidential campaign rally, Kanye West revealed that he had previously considered abortion during Kim Kardashian's first pregnancy but has since taken anti-abortion views.

September 2020: Statement on Not Releasing Music Until Contract is Done

In September 2020, Kanye West stated that he would not be releasing any further music until he is "done with [his] contract with Sony and Universal".

January 4, 2021: Involvement in Election Tampering Claims

According to Reuters, on January 4, 2021, a Kanye West-linked publicist pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to bogus charges of election tampering to assist Trump's claims of election interference.

August 29, 2021: Donda Album Release

After multiple delays and listening parties, Kanye West's album Donda was released on August 29, 2021. West claimed the album was released early without his approval and that Universal had altered the tracklist.

December 2021: Campaign Finance Irregularities

In December 2021, The Daily Beast reported that Kanye West's presidential campaign received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, with payments concealed to hide a connection.

June 29, 2022: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed

On June 29, 2022, a copyright infringement complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New York against Kanye West for allegedly using an unauthorized sample on the song "Flowers". The complaint claims that West sampled Marshall Jefferson's 1986 house track "Move Your Body" without permission or compensation.

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July 2022: Lawsuit Filed by David Casavant Archive

In July 2022, Kanye West was sued for $416,000 by the fashion rental company the David Casavant Archive. The lawsuit claimed that West had failed to make payments and return 13 rented pieces of clothing.

October 2022: Decline in Net Worth

In October 2022, Forbes estimated Kanye West's net worth to have dropped to $400 million, largely due to Adidas's termination of their partnership following antisemitic statements.

December 2022: Release of "Someday We'll All Be Free"

In December 2022, after weeks of controversial antisemitic statements, Kanye West released a new song, "Someday We'll All Be Free", on his Instagram.

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2022: Abortion as Genocide

In 2022, Kanye West deemed abortion "genocide and population control" of black people.

2022: Antisemitic Statements and Fallout

In late 2022, Kanye West made a series of antisemitic statements, resulting in the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas.

2022: Antisemitic Views and Condemnation

Starting in 2022, Kanye West faced widespread condemnation and lost sponsorships due to his antisemitic views, including self-identification as a Nazi and denial of the Holocaust.

July 2023: Twitter Ban Reversed

In July 2023, Twitter reversed the ban on Kanye West's account, citing assurances from West that he would not post harmful content.

December 2023: Apology for Antisemitic Remarks

In December 2023, weeks before the release of his upcoming album, Kanye West apologized for his antisemitic remarks in a written statement on Instagram.

June 29, 2024: Trip to Moscow for Gosha Rubchinskiy's Birthday

On June 29, 2024, Kanye West traveled to Moscow, Russia, to celebrate the 40th birthday of Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy. Following this trip, he was labeled an "enemy of Ukraine."

August 2024: Allegations of Nitrous Oxide Addiction

In August 2024, Kanye West's former Chief of Staff Milo Yiannopoulos stated in an affidavit that West was addicted to nitrous oxide. He alleged that dentist Thomas Connelly was supplying the drugs for $50,000 a month.

2024: Lawsuits for Wrongful Termination and Sexual Assault

In 2024, Kanye West faced lawsuits from a former assistant for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and breach of contract. He was also sued by a former model for sexual assault and strangulation, who claimed West choked and gagged her on a music video set. West denied all allegations.

February 2025: Antisemitic Rant on X and Super Bowl Advertising

In February 2025, Kanye West went on an antisemitic rant on X, professing his love for Hitler, and purchased local advertising during Super Bowl LIX which directed viewers to his website, where he was selling a swastika t-shirt. He also defended Sean Combs from sexual abuse allegations.