Kanye West and John Legend are both musical superstars of the modern era, albeit ones who work in very different genres. The pair
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989222392630202368
Legend was very concerned by the photo and sent Kanye a private text about it.
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989541974070837248
Legend's message reads:
Hey it's JL. I hope you'll reconsider aligning yourself with Trump. You're way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for. As you know, what you say really means something to 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. Don't let this be part of your legacy. You're the greatest artist of our generation
Kanye was unmoved by Legend's words, however, responding:
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.
West also addressed why he posted the exchange to Twitter.
I tweeted the John text to show that there are people around me that disagree with me and voice their opinion. I respect everyone's opinion but I stand my ground.
— ye (@kanyewest) April 26, 2018
if you feel something don't let peer pressure manipulate you
— ye (@kanyewest) April 26, 2018
Knowing his texts were being posted didn't stop Legend from reaching out, however!
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/989551205780107264
John Legend's wife, Chrissy Teigan, joked about the exchange.
This is the most elaborate and complex google pixel phone ad I have ever seen. https://t.co/RYSZcJxUk3
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 26, 2018
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.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 26, 2018
Kanye also responded to his own texts, saying MAGA must strive to include more empathy in its community.
I really appreciate this dialogue with John Legend because I'm actually very empathetic. Im still the kid from the telethon. I feel when people think of MAGA they don't think of empathy.
— ye (@kanyewest) April 26, 2018
This is year one. We can't ad empathy to MAGA by hating. We can only ad empathy with love and time and truly hearing all sides
— ye (@kanyewest) April 26, 2018
Oh, and by the way…
John Legend new single on line now ????
— ye (@kanyewest) April 26, 2018
@KimKardashian are we still doing dinner Friday or no lol
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 26, 2018
Yes but maybe no phones ???????????????????????? https://t.co/zIEZS28DXC
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) April 26, 2018
Kanye's tweet brought out huge reactions from both sides:
Support Trump all you want. That is your right. I respect that.
— ????DisabledResist???? ♿????➖???? (@DisabledResist) April 26, 2018
It is my right to turn off every radio station that plays your music, boycott shows that you appear in or on, and to tell you what I think.
I'm not going to support anyone who supports Trump.
https://twitter.com/JTM_YVA/status/989548668767424512
like if kanye should deactivate
— Carlos Figueredo (@carsperi) April 26, 2018
Just wake them up and don’t back down
— Josh E (@PrimeHarbor3) April 26, 2018
It seems neither Kanye or Legend will be backing down from their beliefs any time soon. But at least they're still chill friends who support each
Yes @johnlegend !!!!!! https://t.co/glvU1FS7ct
— Amanda Seales ???????? (@amandaseales) April 26, 2018
H/T – Twitter, @KanyeWest/Twitter