Kanye West is no stranger to controversy. Though he’s one of the biggest rappers and fashion designers of today, he has a long history of problematic behavior – and his antics only keep escalating. Since Kim Kardashian filed for divorce in 2021, Ye has become increasingly known for his online rants and erratic behavior. He's even been kicked off of Instagram and Twitter for his offensive comments, though he’s reportedly planning to buy Parler, a right-wing social media platform.Kanye’s history of controversial behavior is long and goes back years, but here are some of his biggest scandals to date.
15 He Called Black Lives Matter A Scam
Kanye has made a variety of controversial comments about Black Lives Matter, including referring to the movement as a “scam.”
14 He Wore A White Lives Matter Shirt
In October 2022, the rapper showed up to a Yeezy fashion show in Paris wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt. Several of the show’s models also wore the same shirt on the runway. Ye later defended his clothing choice online, and later wore a shirt with the same slogan to his daughter North's basketball game.
13 He Defamed George Floyd’s Death
George Floyd’s family is currently suing Ye for $250 million after the rapper claimed he died from a fentanyl overdose. George’s cause of death has been legally established; he was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin who used brute force.
12 He Said Slavery Was A Choice
Kanye’s controversial comments about the Black community go back years. In May 2018, the rapper claimed that slavery was a choice.
“You hear about slavery for 400 years. 400 years? That sounds like a choice,” he told TMZ. “Like, that was there for 400 years and it’s all of ya’ll? It’s, like, we’re mentally in a prison. I like the word ‘prison’ because slavery is too direct to the idea of Blacks.”
11 He Made Antisemitic Comments
Kanye has also made offensive comments about the Jewish community. In an October 2022 tweet, the Yeezy founder threatened to go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” alleging they “have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
10 He Bullied Pete Davidson Into Therapy
When Pete Davidson was dating Kim Kardashian, he became the subject of many of Kanye’s online rants. Ye routinely referred to the comedian as “Skete,” and even encouraged his followers to harass him in person. Reports say Pete entered trauma therapy due to the harassment.
9 He Released A Threatening Music Video
In his song “Eazy,” Kanye admits he wants to “beat” Pete. But the music video took things even further – it shows an animated version of Kanye burying a likeness of Pete Davidson alive.
Sources say Kim was particularly disturbed by the music video. “She was appalled by this stunt and is rapidly losing the little patience she had left at this point," one insider said. "She found it really disturbing and is fearful of what could come of it."
8 He Was Abusive Towards Kim Kardashian
Ye has had choice words for Kim Kardashian since she filed for divorce in 2021. He’s attacked her parenting and career, while also claiming God wants them to be together. Many fans now see his behavior as emotional abuse and gaslighting, shattering the former couple’s once happy image.
7 He Exposed Kim For Wanting An Abortion
Kanye made a shocking revelation in July 2020 as part of his first presidential rally – he admitted his then-wife Kim Kardashian had considered having an abortion when pregnant with their eldest child.
“We talked about her not having this child. She had the pills in her hand,” he said. “I called my wife and she said, ‘We’re gonna have this baby.’ I said, ‘We’re gonna have this child.’”
6 He Claimed His Kids Were Kidnapped
Though he’s admitted Kim has their four children 80% of the time, Kanye has also accused her of keeping him away from their kids. He went so far as to claim his youngest daughter, Chicago, was kidnapped on her birthday and that he didn’t know where her party was being held.
5 He Bullied Amber Rose For A Decade
Kanye has long been accused of mistreatment by his past romantic partners. He dated Amber Rose for two years before they split in 2010, but the model says Ye has bullied her for a decade.
“He has picked on me for 10 years. He has bullied me for 10 years,” Amber has said, referring to Kanye as a “narcissist.”
4 He’s Been Accused Of Cheating
Not only does Kanye allegedly mistreat his partners, but he’s been accused of being unfaithful. In January 2021, in the wake of Kimye’s divorce news, a rumor began circulating that he cheated on Kim with Jeffree Star.
3 He Interrupted Taylor Swift’s Speech
In 2009, Kanye’s decision to interrupt Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was major (though it pales in comparison to his recent antics). The rapper grabbed the mic from Tay, only to declare that BeyonceÌ should have won.
2 He's Been Arrested For Assault
Kanye has been vocal about his disdain for the paparazzi, but he actually got into a physical altercation in 2009 at LAX with a videographer. The rapper was subsequently arrested.
1 He Calls Everyone Out Online
Finally, no one seems safe from Kanye’s online rants. The rapper has called out a variety of celebrities, including his own family, and has also leaked private messages.
For example, in September 2022, he vowed on Instagram to protect his daughter from Kris Jenner’s exploitation. “You don’t have so so [sic] over my black children and where they go to school. They will not do playboy and sex tapes. Tell your Clinton friends to come get me, I’m here,” he wrote.