Kanye West has ignited widespread condemnation after appearing in an interview with DJ Akademiks wearing a black outfit resembling Ku Klux Klan (KKK) robes and a swastika necklace. The now deleted interview, released on March 31, 2025, is the latest in a series of controversial public appearances by the rapper, who has faced backlash for his repeated use of hate symbols and inflammatory rhetoric.
The hour-long interview began with West discussing various topics, including his grievances with the music industry and personal frustrations. However, it was his choice of attire—a pointed black leather hood and a swastika medallion—that drew immediate criticism. West admitted during the interview that he had both black and white versions of the outfit custom-made, stating that he considered wearing them publicly but refrained out of concern for potential backlash.
This incident follows a string of antisemitic actions and comments from West over recent years. In February, he promoted T-shirts featuring a swastika during a Super Bowl ad, which were later removed from his website. He has also posted—and subsequently deleted—images resembling Nazi SS logos on social media. These actions have led to significant consequences for West, including the loss of major brand partnerships with Adidas and Balenciaga.
The KKK-inspired outfit and swastika necklace have been widely condemned by advocacy groups, public figures, and social media users. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement denouncing the use of these symbols as “deeply offensive” and “a dangerous normalization of hate speech.” On social media, users expressed outrage, with one commenter writing, “This is beyond shocking—it’s unacceptable.” Another added, “Kanye West needs to be held accountable for promoting hate.”
West’s actions have also raised concerns about their broader cultural impact. Michaela Makusha, a columnist for The Independent, noted that West’s platform amplifies harmful ideologies, particularly among young audiences. “His constant need for attention borders on pathological,” she wrote. “But the real danger is the sheer size of his platform.”
This latest controversy comes amid ongoing personal and professional turmoil for West. In the same interview, he expressed regret over having children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian and criticized her family’s influence over their four children. These remarks have further fueled public scrutiny of his behavior and its implications for his personal relationships. Check out 10 songs that were ruined by disgraced artists, for more on Kanye self-sabotaging.
As backlash continues to mount, industry experts suggest that West’s repeated provocations could cause lasting damage to his career and public image. Advocacy groups are calling for accountability measures to address the harm caused by his actions.
