Kanye West is marred by controversy at the moment, especially for his recent anti-semetic comments. Now, several sources have spoken out about Kanye West’salleged obsession with the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
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West would allegedly 'praise' Hitler
A former business executive told CNN that the work environment he once worked in with West was hostile due to the rapper’s 'obsession' with Hitler. The executive told the publication:
He would praise Hitler by saying how incredible it was that he was able to accumulate so much power and would talk about all the great things he and the Nazi Party achieved for the German people.
The individual quit his job after settling with the artist and some of his companies over workplace complaints, including harassment. The person asked to remain anonymous because of a confidentiality agreement and concern for retribution by West. CNN has reviewed the settlement agreement, in which West rejected the individual’s claims.
West read Mein Kampf and wanted to name his album 'Hitler'
The individual informed CNN that West talked openly about reading Hitler’s autobiographical manifestoMein Kampf, despite previously claiming he has never read a book. He also allegedly voiced his 'admiration' for Hitler and the Nazis for their propaganda use.
The executive claims that people close to West were 'fully aware' of his interest in Hitler.
Four people informed CNN that West initially suggested the title 'Hitler' for his 2018 album that was finally released as Ye. These sources also wish to remain anonymous due to fear of professional retribution.
Not the first time
The executive's claims reflect those of Van Lathan Jr., a former employee of TMZ. Lathan confronted West after the artist said slavery 'sounds like a choice' during a 2018 interviewat the outlet's offices. He claimed earlier this month on the Higher Learning podcast that West also made anti-semitic comments during their conversation that the publication did not release publicly.
As a result, Lathan is not surprised by West's recent remarks, saying:
I already heard him say that stuff before at TMZ. I mean, I was taken aback because that type of antisemitic talk is disgusting. It’s like, I’m taken aback any time anyone does that, right? But as far as [West], I knew that that was in him because when he came to TMZ, he said that stuff and they took it out of the interview. … He said something like, ‘I love Hitler, I love Nazis.’ Something to that effect when he was there. And they took it out of the interview for whatever reason. It wasn’t my decision.
One of the people who talked to CNN and was present at the TMZ interview also claimed West had referred to Hitler in a positive light.
Sources used:
- CNN: 'Exclusive: Kanye West has a disturbing history of admiring Hitler, sources tell CNN'
- Forbes: 'Kanye West Reportedly Wanted To Name Album After Hitler'
- Insider: 'Kanye West reportedly wanted to name his 'Ye' album after Hitler instead, and apparently has an 'obsession' with the Nazi leader'