Ice Cube has refuted Kanye West’s recent claim that the rapper influenced his antisemitism. West’s comments came during his controversial appearance on the Drink Champs podcast.
As well as claiming that the murder of George Floyd was staged, the rapper made further antisemitic comments, forcing Drink Champs to remove the episode. He also linked Ice Cube to his “antisemite vibe”, saying that the rapper “really influenced” him in this regard.
West has made several antisemitic comments in the last week, many of which appeared on his Twitter and Instagram feeds. In a post directed at the Jewish community, the rapper tweeted that he intended to go “death con 3 [sic] on JEWISH PEOPLE.” West also claimed that the “Jewish media blocked [him] out”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Silverman, Diane Wilson, Jack Antonoff, John Legend, and David Schwimmer have all condemned West for his comments, with Schwimmer arguing that his mental health issues should not excuse his actions. “Whether or not Kanye West is mentally ill, there’s no question he is a bigot,” Schwimmer stated.
Ice Cube has rejected the notion that he played any role in West’s recent comments: “I hate that my name was dragged into this Drunk Champs bullshit,” he wrote in a recent tweet. “I don’t know what Ye meant by his statements, you’re gonna have to ask him. I didn’t put the batteries in his back. Please leave my name out of all the antisemitic talk. I’m not antisemitic and never have been.”
Drink Champs host N.O.R.E. has since made a formal apology for releasing the episode and not standing up to West: “I still believe people have a right to speak, whether it’s something you agree with or not, but you have a right to also check them – and check them immediately,” he said. “That’s what I regret.”
