Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com
Last night Kanye West blew up the Twitterverse yesterday by posting more pro-Trump tweets and photos of his signed Make America Great Again hat.
Many celebrities responded to his tweets and criticized West for aligning with Trump. John Legend, who is a good friend of West’s, posted a thoughtful thread about racism and politics in America right now. It’s not explicit that these tweets are a direct response to West, but it was posted after West’s tweets.
I imagine there's some comfort in imagining a future without racism and projecting that onto the present. Thinking if we just deny the truth, it doesn't exist. If history is erased, we don't have to deal with its consequences. However…
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 25, 2018
Legend texted West about his political tweets. How do I, someone who has NO connection to Legend or West know this? Because West posted screenshots of their conversation on Twitter.
“I hope you’ll reconsider aligning yourself with Trump,” Legend texted to West. “You’re way too powerful and influential to endorse who [Trump] is and what he stands for. As you know, what you say really means something your fans. They are loyal to you and respect your opinion.”
“So many people who love you feel so betrayed right now because they know the harm that Trump’s policies cause, especially to people of color,” Legend continued. “Don’t let this be part of your legacy. You’re the greatest artist of our generation.”
West responded with, “I love you John and I appreciate your thoughts. You bringing up my fans or my legacy is a tactic based on fear used to manipulate my free thought.”
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989541974070837248
West then followed up his first screenshot tweet with another tweet explaining why he is doing what he’s doing. “I tweeted the John text to show that there are people around me that disagree with me and voice their opinion,” West tweeted. “I respect everyone’s opinion but I stand my ground.”
If you thought the screenshot tweets were over, think again! West tweeted another text screenshot between him and Legend. Legend responded to West with, “Think freely. Think with empathy and context too. Your words and actions have consequences. Much love.” Legend sent a second text saying, “And since you’re posting texts, let me add that I have a new single out haha.”
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989551205780107264
Legend’s model, Twitter favorite, cookbook writing wife, Chrissy Teigen commented on this whole situation. The other day Teigen also tweeted her disdain for stories based on her tweets (something I’ve done before, sorry girl I gotta make money!) But now I’m going to respect Teigen’s wishes and just simply post her tweets and let them stand on their own with no click bait language.
Everyone keeps asking me to comment on shit. Comment on psycho Tami Lasagna, whom I refuse to give the joy to, say something about RHOA, speak up about kanye. When it comes to people we know, we DO speak up. To THEM. not on Twitter. And sometimes, I guess it makes it to Twitter.
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 26, 2018
This is the most elaborate and complex google pixel phone ad I have ever seen. https://t.co/RYSZcJxUk3
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 26, 2018
What do you think about the Legend and West screenshots?
