Trigger Warning: Discussions of Antisemitism, Mental Health and Hate Speech.
You know him. I know him. Kanye has become a household name, shaping the music and fashion industry for decades.
Heralded as a cultural icon, the creative genius whose influence transcended pop culture, has also caused more harm and hatred than imaginable.
Despite undeniable contributions to hip-hop and design, West’s problematic behaviour, offensive remarks, and refusal to take accountability have overshadowed his once-revered status.
So why is he still adored?
At some point, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: Kanye West is not an icon.
Kanye West’s early career positioned him as a trailblazer. His 2004 debut album The College Dropout revolutionised rap by blending soulful samples with introspective lyrics.
Over the next decade, he pushed boundaries with albums like 808s & Heartbreak and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, exploring vulnerability, grief, and grandeur in ways few mainstream artists dared. Fashion followed; his Yeezy brand became synonymous with high-end streetwear, commanding hype akin to limited-edition Jordans.
West's influence was undeniable — he shifted trends, challenged norms, and broke records. But somewhere along the way, admiration for his artistry morphed into an unquestioning loyalty that ignored his increasingly erratic behaviour.
West’s spiral into controversy wasn’t sudden; it escalated over time. His infamous interruption of Taylor Swift’s 2009 VMA speech was dismissed as a misguided stunt.
His public support of Donald Trump, while alienating fans, was often seen as "just Kanye being Kanye." Yet these incidents paled in comparison to his inflammatory remarks, like suggesting slavery was "a choice" in 2018 or his antisemitic comments in 2022 that led to Adidas severing ties with him — costing him an estimated $1.5 billion overnight.
In February this year, Kanye went on a rather harmful rant. He praised Hitler, referring to himself as a ‘nazi’, called for Diddy to be freed (a whole other issue within itself) and shared countless antisemitic messages.
Despite his provocations, a portion of his fanbase continued to rally behind him, arguing that his mental health struggles explained his actions. West has openly spoken about his bipolar diagnosis, but in 2023, he claimed he had been "misdiagnosed" and was instead autistic. While mental health challenges are complex and deserve empathy, they should not excuse bigotry, harmful rhetoric, or irresponsible behaviour.
Time and time again, West’s supporters have excused his behaviour with a concerning level of infantilisation. They portray him as a misunderstood genius — a man who simply "doesn’t know better."
But Kanye is not a child.
He is a wealthy, powerful adult with resources, advisors, and platforms at his disposal. Allowing him to repeatedly dodge accountability sets a dangerous precedent. Mental illness is not a free pass for hatred, and we cannot absolve him of responsibility simply because he once made Gold Digger.
The discussion about untreated mental health issues like bipolar disorder and autism is crucial, particularly in relation to public figures such as Kanye.
Without proper support, individuals facing these challenges can become highly vulnerable, displaying unpredictable behaviour and risking exploitation.
It's essential to promote mental health awareness and provide resources that encourage seeking help. Rather than glorifying erratic behaviour, we should celebrate the bravery of confronting mental health challenges and pursuing treatment as a strength. True vulnerability is found in the courage to seek support for healing and growth.
Despite everything, Kanye West still commands a fiercely loyal following. Nostalgia plays a huge role — fans who grew up idolising Graduation or Yeezus struggle to separate the artist from his music. His impact on fashion, music, and culture has been significant enough that some fans choose to overlook his controversies. Others remain hopeful he will redeem himself, believing the Kanye of old — the ambitious producer with soul-stirring beats — could return.
Yet admiration for past brilliance does not require blind loyalty today. There’s a stark difference between respecting someone’s artistic legacy and continuing to elevate them despite harmful behaviour.
Further, there’s an undeniable fascination rooted in celebrity culture. As consumers of media, it is all too easy to compartmentalise such behaviour. A YouGov poll from late 2022 illustrated that despite the controversies, a substantial portion of the public still held an impressive view of West; 35% of respondents expressed a positive opinion of him. This statistical evidence denotes a stark disconnect between values and fandom.
When people online are so impressionable, specifically young men (thanks Andrew Tate!), we need to be careful with how much control we are giving celebrities.
It’s almost dystopian how a grown man can get away with selling swastika t-shirts, but have it brushed off as ‘Kanye being Kanye’.
Younger fans often absorb not just the talent but also toxic attitudes that come from these celebrities. They might mimic the confidence and bravado without understanding the underlying hatred. This creates a troubling environment, where harmful views flourish.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, a single tweet or Instagram post can spread like wildfire.
The power celebrities hold over young, impressionable minds is immense. It’s naive to think that when these figures share their thoughts, they aren’t influencing their followers—often in harmful ways. Social media amplifies these messages without offering the necessary context.
So, should platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok step up and be more responsible for what’s being shared? It’s a complex question but definitely one that needs to be addressed. We shouldn’t be promoting unchecked free speech among influential figures when it can lead to social decay instead of progress.
We’re not advocating for censorship, but there’s a fine line that has been crossed far too often.
Kanye West’s influence is undeniable, but that doesn’t automatically qualify him to be an icon. True icons uplift and inspire others. While we can appreciate Kanye’s early work, his descent into controversy and refusal to take responsibility diminishes the argument for his continued idolisation.
We can respect his artistry while holding him accountable for his actions. And we must stop treating powerful figures like children when they intentionally cause harm. Kanye isn’t an icon anymore—he’s become a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame, misplaced loyalty, and the danger of excusing cruelty under the banner of “genius.”
We have a responsibility—not just as consumers of culture but as advocates for better conversations. We need to call out celebrities when they cross the line into hate. Most importantly, we should push for a social media environment that prioritises clarity, context, and accountability over mere clicks and views. The mental health and attitudes of future generations depend on the discourse we create today.
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