Ye sells controversial T-shirts featuring Nazi symbol
Ye is selling T-shirts featuring a swastika, a symbol of Nazism. The ADL condemned the sale as a display of antisemitism, highlighting the implications of his actions.
Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, is selling T-shirts on his website featuring a swastika, a symbol associated with the Nazi Party founded by Adolf Hitler in 1920.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) states, "Since 1945, the swastika has served as the most significant and notorious of hate symbols." Ye has a documented history of antisemitic remarks, including praise for Hitler and the Nazis.
The shirts are priced at $20 and represent the only item currently for sale on yeezy.com. Shopify is handling the orders, though the company did not provide immediate comments regarding its involvement with Ye.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Ye aired a local ad promoting his website without mentioning the T-shirts. In the ad, he appeared in a dentist's chair and talked directly into the camera. Despite not being broadcast nationally, the ad reached audiences in the Los Angeles area, as reported by Variety.
In the commercial, Ye stated, "I spent, like, all the money for the commercial on these new teeth," showcasing a set of jewel-encrusted teeth. He added, "Once again I had to shoot it on the iPhone. Um...Um.... Go to Yeezy.com."
The T-shirt sale follows recent antisemitic statements made on his social media, which ultimately led to the deactivation of his X account.
The ADL, an organization dedicated to combating hate against Jewish individuals, has condemned the T-shirt sales. Their statement underscores that Ye’s choice to sell a T-shirt featuring a swastika is an unequivocal demonstration of his antisemitism, stating that "The swastika is the symbol adopted by Hitler as the primary emblem of the Nazis, galvanizing his followers in the 20th century and continuing to threaten those targeted by antisemitism and white supremacy."
Additionally, the ADL noted the product labeled HH-01, which they interpret as code for "Heil Hitler."
Furthermore, they criticized Ye for continuously expressing antisemitic views, especially since he promoted his website during the Super Bowl, thus extending its reach beyond his already substantial social media following.
Representatives for Ye stated to CBS MoneyWatch, "We have no comment at this time."
