John Legend criticizes ex-friend Ye for 'anti-Blackness' and 'antisemitism'
John Legend criticizes ex-friend Ye for 'anti-Blackness' and 'antisemitism'
Show Caption
Hide Caption
From Taylor Swift to Bianca Censori: Ye's years of controversies
Ye, formerly Kanye West, is no stranger to controversy, from crashing Taylor Swift's MTV speech to his high-profile relationships.
John Legend is slamming his former friend and ex-mentor Ye for his "anti-Blackness" and "antisemitism."
In an interview published in British outlet The Times of London on May 10, the "Ordinary People" singer slammed the Chicago rapper while recounting the roots of their personal and professional relationship.
"Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him," Legend said of the artist, whose birth name is Kanye West. "He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now."
"I didn't see a hint of what we're seeing now, his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-blackness, and it is sad to see his devolution," Legend continued during the talk with the Times. "I don't think we're qualified to psychoanalyze him, but after his mother passed in 2007, there was definitely a difference.
Legend said that "his descent started" after Ye's beloved mother and Chicago State University professor Donda West died in 2007 and "seems to have accelerated recently."
USA TODAY reached out to representatives for Ye for a response, but has not received a comment.
Ye says he still supports Trump, calls John Legend a 'sellout': 'I still got a red hat on'
Ye's controversial behavior has raised eyebrows in recent years. In February, he took to X in a tirade against Jews in a series of posts (before temporarily deleting his account) and, in an ad, he directed Super Bowl viewers to his website (which is now down) where the only item he was selling was a $20 T-shirt featuring a swastika.
During the Times of London interview, Legend looked back on the release of Ye's debut album "The College Dropout" in 2004 and his own first album "Get Lifted" later that year, which came out after he signed to Ye's label G.O.O.D. Music.
"Kanye blew up after producing Jay-Z's album 'The Blueprint' in 2001," Legend told the outlet. "Then he experienced a buzz as a solo artist and the whole time I was travelling with him, doing shows with him, getting exposure not only as his singer and keyboard player but also as an artist myself."
He added, "I had been turned down by labels everywhere. Then, 'The College Dropout' sold 400,000 copies in its first week, everyone wanted to know what was happening in our camp, and all those people who turned me down suddenly decided that my music sounded a lot better than it did the first time round."
Legend, Ye fell out over latter's support of Donald Trump
In 2020, West himself "ran for president" and appeared on the ballot in 12 states.
Then, Legend famously feuded with Ye in 2021 and 2022 after Ye came out in support of President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again agenda.
After the fact, Ye claimed Legend and well-known Detroit rapper Big Sean turned on him after his support for Trump.
"Both John Legend and Big Sean, when I ran for office, got used quick by the Democrats to come at they boy that actually changed they life. … I don't rock with neither of them, and I need my apologies," the rapper said during an appearance on Revolt's "Drink Champs" podcast in 2021.
"I'm not really saying anything shocking, you know John Legend gone always show up and do whatever them folks tell him to do," Ye added in the "Drink Champs" interview. "That's not a shocking thing, man."
Contributing: Elise Brisco
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
30 minutes ago
- New York Post
Sprawling Catskills compound in the same family since the 1800's asks $10M — massive stone maze and bronze statues included
Get lost in this $10 million forested retreat — literally. A Colonial-style home and sprawling property in Arkville, New York is on the market for that sum — and it brings with it an unusual amenity: a handsome stone maze. The forested estate has belonged to the same family since the late 1800s, the Wall Street Journal reported. The main house, built in 1970, offers eight baths and 7.5 bathrooms across nearly 5,300 square feet. If sold, the home and its 280 acres would set a record for Delaware County, listing agent Kathryn Johnson, of William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, told the Journal. Advertisement 13 The estate is surrounded by lush Catskill forests. Nils Schlebusch 13 An aerial view of the winding stone maze. Nils Schlebusch The home already claims one superlative — if the claims of the late artist are to be believed, the home possesses the largest stone maze built since antiquity. Advertisement The winding maze, completed in 1965, runs 1,680 feet in length and its stone towering walls reach up to 10 feet high. The complex stone structure includes bronze statues of Daedalus, his son Icarus and the Minotaur. In Greek mythology, the skilled inventor Daedalus constructed the labyrinth to keep captive the half-man, half-bull offspring of the Queen of Crete. 13 One of the home's sellers recalled days spent playing inside the enigmatic maze. Nils Schlebusch 13 A bronze statue of the minotaur stands tall at a dead end of the labyrinth. Nils Schlebusch Advertisement 13 The maze's artist claimed this was the largest stone maze built since antiquity. Nils Schlebusch The environmental sculpture was commissioned by the late financier Armand Erpf, who was inspired after reading 'The Maze Maker,' by the late British author and artist Michael Aryton, a fictional autobiography of Daedalus. It was Aryton whom Erpf tapped to build the maze. Erpf's children, who are selling the property, spent decades entertained by the installation. His son Tolomy Erpf told the Journal about playing in the maze with cousins during family reunions. Advertisement 'It has an echo as you walk along with your steps,' he told the Journal. 'My favorite time there is either in the morning or in the evening, when the sun creates really interesting shadows along the walls and the floors.' 13 The same family has occupied the property since the late 1800s. Nils Schlebusch 13 The property includes several outbuildings, as well as a pool and a tennis court. Nils Schlebusch 13 A sitting room in the main house with green crown molding. Nils Schlebusch 13 The dining room. Nils Schlebusch 13 A bedroom boasts views of the forest. Nils Schlebusch 13 A bedroom. Nils Schlebusch 13 Stairs lead up to the cupola. Nils Schlebusch Advertisement 13 The home's large cupola offers panoramic views of the property. Nils Schlebusch Beyond the winding maze is 40 acres of lawns, meadows and pasture as well as 240 acres of mixed forest, according to the listing. The estate's natural attractions include swimming holes and streams, moss lined paths and a five-stall horse barn. Other environmental art installations are scattered throughout the property. The picturesque, white-washed main house was renovated in 2016 with modern amenities, according to the listing. Outbuildings include a guest house with three private apartments, a large pool and an accompanying poo house, an office cabin and a six-car garage.
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Analyst Teases All-Pro Fit For Bills and Josh Allen
Analyst Teases All-Pro Fit For Bills and Josh Allen originally appeared on Athlon Sports. All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been a thorn in the Buffalo Bills side for close to a decade now. Whether it's his time with the Kansas City Chiefs or recently with the Miami Dolphins, the Bills have had major trouble trying to lock up the deep threat. Advertisement Could that come to an end? Would Buffalo be interested in simply bringing in the player they can't stop to their team? As Hill's off-field problems continue to grow in South Florida, there are analysts who believe the star could be on his last legs with the Dolphins. As Miami transitions to a retooling effort, they may look to get rid of the high-priced talent they have held in recent years. Hill could be one of those names on the move. And the Bills are a team who would be highly interested if they can get Miami to the negotiating table. "The contenders that should at least ponder whether Hill can help get them over the top include the Ravens, Texans, Chargers, and 49ers. (The Bills should think about it, too. However, the Dolphins may not be interested in helping Buffalo get back to a Super Bowl.), PFT's Mike Florio call. Advertisement Our thoughts? Once you include the $25.85 million fully guaranteed contract? This is a Florio Fantasy. Buffalo hasn't had a top receiving target on their team since they traded Stefon Diggs away to the Houston Texans. Hill, like Diggs, is a very outspoken individual, but plays the position in a way that Buffalo hasn't had on their roster. If Miami is willing to part ways, and they don't care about an inter-divisional trade, then Buffalo - even with Tyreek's baggage - should absolutely explore options. … but that would likely mean Miami paying some of the freight while giving away the player.. Related: Can Bills' 'Borderline Elite' Roster Claim Super Bowl Glory? Related: Bills' Elijah Moore Offers 'Pretty' Josh Allen Scouting Report This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
40 minutes ago
- CBS News
David Andrews fought back tears as he announced his retirement from Patriots, NFL
After a decade of snapping the football for the New England Patriots and two Super Bowl championships, David Andrews has retired from the NFL. The longtime Patriots center and team captain fought back tears as he made his retirement official during a special ceremony Monday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. Andrews, who will turn 33 next month, played his entire career with the Patriots after the team signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Be put together an incredible storybook NFL career, as he took over as the New England's starting center as a rookie and became a key piece of the Patriots offensive line on two Super Bowl-winning teams. Andrews battled injuries over the last few years and a shoulder injury he suffered last October is ultimately what ended his career. He was released by the Patriots in March, and while Andrews wanted to keep playing in 2025, he didn't want to suit up and snap the ball for any other team. "I obviously still wanted to play, but I didn't want to go do it for another organization. That wasn't what I had in mind for the end of my career," Andrews said Monday. "I wanted to finish it here, and I did. Andrews broke down immediately upon taking the podium Monday, as he expressed his gratitude for the New England Patriots and all of those who had a hand in his career. "When I knew this day was coming, I was thinking about what I wanted to say. As you can see, there are a lot of emotions. The one [word] that kept sticking out to me is 'gratitude.'" said Andrews. "When I look back at the 26 years of playing this game, that is really all I could think about. Especially playing offensive line since I was six years old, you learn it's not about you, but it's about the team. "For my whole career, I was surrounded by the best team anyone could ask for," Andrews added. "I wouldn't change one thing about my 26 years playing this game, but it's time to say goodbye." David Andrews gets emotional as he begins his remarks at his retirement press conference. Not as easy day for a two-time Super Bowl Champion who loves the game. @Patriots @wbz — Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) June 2, 2025 David Andrews' retirement ceremony Monday's ceremony started with a video montage of Andrews' biggest moments in New England, which included a lot of him throwing blocks and firing up his teammates. There were also a few shots of a shirtless Andrews celebrating on a duck boat. The video also included clips of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and longtime Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia singing the praises of Andrews. Brady was also part of a bigger montage featuring Andrews' former teammates. "Loved every minute for you and loved being your quarterback," Brady said to Andrews. "I'm with you every step of the way. You deserve this day and congratulations." Patriots owner Robert Kraft delivered the opening remarks on Monday, and said Andrews was a "person of great character, compassion, and spirituality." "He's given us 10 remarkable years and helped define what it means to truly be a Patriot," Kraft said of Andrews. "While today marks the end of your playing career, your legacy will endure for the fans who cheered you on and for all of us who were lucky to witness your journey." In his remarks, Andrews said it was an honor to represent the Kraft family and the Patriots' brand on and off the football field. "It was more of an honor to get to know you and your family, and getting to work for what I believe is the best organization in pro sports," said Andrews. "It was special because you guys are not only committed to excellence on the field but in the community off it." David Andrews thanks Bill Belichick, Patriots teammates High up on Andrews' "thank you" list on Monday was former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who gave him his chance as an UDFA out of Georgia. "Coach Belichick, thank you for giving me the opportunity I wanted in this league. I learned more about this game from you than anyone else who has ever taught me," said Andrews, who thanked all the coaches and staff members in New England. "You always demanded our best and challenged us each and every week. The details are important and mattered, and that's something I'll carry the rest of my life." Andrews also thanked everyone he shared the field with, from his days in Little League to his NFL career. He said he not only grew a lot as a football player in New England, but as also as a person. "I've been blessed to know and compete with some of the best people and best athletes throughout my career. I was so fortunate in 2015 to come into an amazing locker room. I learned what it means to be a professional on and off the field. I learned what it takes to be a husband and a dad. I hope every one of you know that when I stepped on the field, I gave it everything I had," said Andrews. He also made sure to thank New England fans for their support over the last decade, whether it came from the stands or out and about in the neighborhood. "To all the fans and the community of New England, it was such a joy to grow and love this place and the people here. No matter the rain, snow, or cold, y'all were there each and every Sunday. It's such a special place and I'm proud to call New England home," he said. David Andrews breaks down thanking his family Andrews fought back tears for most of his retirement speech, but the waterworks really turned on when he started talking about his young family. "To my most important teammate, my amazing wife MacKenzie, when we started to date 12 years ago, I don't think any one of us could imagine this is where we'd end up. You've loved and cared for me in more ways than I can imagine. You gave up your life and your dreams to join me on this crazy ride, even if I got benched a couple of weeks after you got here," started Andrews. "Through the ups and downs and hospital stays, you've always been by my side. You've always been looking out for my best interest, even when I was too stubborn to do so. You've sacrificed so much and, a lot of the time, other people got the best of me and you got the worst. You understood football came first for me, even when it probably shouldn't have. I love you and there's no one else I'd want to share this journey with," he continued. "To my boys, Ford and Worth, I know you probably won't remember this, but maybe some day you'll look back on it. Whatever you decide to do, don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't do something," said Andrews. "You will fail and you will fall down, but what matters is how you get up and respond. There will be highs and lows, but if you work hard and stay true to yourself and believe in yourself, you will accomplish anything. "Nothing has brought me as much joy as being your dad," Andrews added. What's next for David Andrews? Andrews isn't sure what his next chapter will entail, but he's going to take some time to decide what he'll do next. He said he isn't ready to jump into coaching just yet, and wants to spend as much time with his family after years of missing out. "I got these two young boys and being around them, carpooling them around and doing what needs to be done is my main focus now," he said. Andrews did find another way to burn that competitive fire, though it doesn't sound like he's enjoying his new game as much as football. "I picked up golf and found a new way to torture myself," Andrews joked. "Maybe I'll play on the Senior Tour, I donno." David Andrews' career with the New England Patriots Andrews was the ultimate underdog story; an undrafted center who rose to become a key cog in New England's second dynastic run. He wasn't the most physically gifted player, but he always put in the work to put himself -- and his team -- in the best position to succeed. After arriving as an undrafted free-agent out of Georgia in 2015, Andrews was a staple along the New England offensive line for a decade. He started 11 games as a rookie after starting center Bryan Stork landed on IR, and took full control as the team's starter the following season. Andrews started all 16 games in 2016, and got his first Super Bowl ring when the Patriots mounted their historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. He won a second Super Bowl title a few years later in 2018 when the Patriots beat the L.A. Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Andrews spent the bulk of his career snapping the ball to Brady, but also worked with quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Cam Newton, Mac Jones, and Drake Maye. While he was never a Pro Bowler, Andrews was one of the best and more steady centers in the NFL from 2017-2022. Overall, he started 121 of the 124 games he played in during his career. He also played in a dozen playoff games, including three Super Bowls with New England. As steady as he was on the field, Andrews was also an incredible leader in the locker room. He was voted a team captain in 2017, the first of eight times Andrews would hold that title throughout his career. He was always praised for going above and beyond with his tireless work in the community, and received the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2020. But injuries began to take their toll on Andrews, starting in 2019 when he missed the entire season due to blood clots. He returned in 2020 but missed four games that season. Injuries limited him to 14 games in 2022, and Andrews played just four games in 2024 before a rotator cuff injury ended his year. Andrews had to undergo surgery for that injury, which is ultimately what ended his career. The Patriots released him in March, and at the time, Andrews wasn't ready to hang up his cleats. But on Monday, David Andrews officially called it a career. While he isn't sure what will come next, he should be receiving a red jacket and a spot in the Patriots Hall of Fame in Foxboro sometime in the near future.
