In an online interview with The New Yorker ahead of his eighth studio album, “Legend,” John Legend revealed the reason for his and rapper Kanye West’s feud.
The “All Of Me” singer clarified that the feud was not caused by West’s support for Donald Trump, calling it a “mischaracterization” of what he said.
He said:
“What I was saying was that he was very upset with me that I didn’t support him running for President, and that was the real impetus for us having a strain in our friendship.”
He also stated that he supported President Joe Biden during the presidential campaign.
When asked if political beliefs can make or break a relationship, Legend replied:
“I don’t feel like politics should be everything in your relationships, and your relationships with people shouldn’t only be determined by who they voted for.”
However, he did add that “certain things you believe in are indicators” of one’s character and will inevitably affect the relationship.
The “Heartless” rapper announced in July 2020 that he would run for president in the 2020 United States presidential election.
The rapper reportedly stated that his platform was inspired by Wakanda, the fictional country depicted in the 2018 film “Black Panther.”
While Legend stated that politics is the “sole determinant” in whether or not he keeps his friendships, he also stated that “values matter, character matters, and moral compass matters.”
The United States held its breath as former President Donald Trump ran for reelection against current President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential elections.
Many celebrities and artists took the stage and publicly announced their votes. Legend was no exception.
Legend expressed his displeasure with “how much it was an operation run by the Trump campaign,” adding that Trump’s personnel were assisting West in his campaign by raising funds, signing petitions, and “getting him on the ballot.”
“I saw their work on his behalf as a clear scam and an operation to try to siphon Black votes away from Biden, so there was no way I was going to support it.”
Legend also revealed that before their feud, he attempted to reach out to the 45-year-old rapper to persuade him to reconsider, but West was uninterested and “went the way he went with it,” Legend recalled.
Although Legend admits that he doesn’t know how to persuade someone who holds opposing views and that announcing one’s political stance may annoy some fans, he feels liberated by being able to speak his mind.
“I say the things that I’m passionate about and I believe in, and it feels liberating. This is who I want to be in the world.”
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