Jewish celebrities and organizations alike react to Kanye West going back on past antisemitic statements after claiming to have had an epiphany from watching the film 21 Jump Street
Kanye West had taken over headlines months ago for his antisemitic rants that were met with condemnation towards his conduct by various Jewish organizations as well as celebrities/artists in the music and entertainment industries. His behavior also lead to a loss in partnerships with major brands like Balenciaga and Adidas.
However, the Graduation rapper now appears to have "recanted" his past statements, citing the 2012 comedy film 21 Jump Street for his change of heart.
He made his supposed-epiphany known in a recent Instagram post, stating in the caption, "Watching 21 Jump Street made me like Jewish people again. No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people. No Christian can be labeled antisemite knowing Jesus is Jew. Thank you Jonah Hill I love you."
Of course, reactions to Ye's strange post have not been receptive.
Organizations StopAntisemitism and The American Jewish Community both assert that West's IG post is insufficient in making up for the damage his behavior has caused, with SA director Liora Rez stating "Joking about a movie with Jonah Hill is not the apology that the Jewish people deserve from Kanye, particularly when his antisemitic tirades continue to have a dangerous trickle-down effect of hatred against Jews."
Richard Hirschhaut, spokeperson to American Jewish community, remarked "Whether Kanye is sincere, only he knows."
As for celebrity reactions, they have ranged from complete disinterest to comedic-sarcasm.
Jonah Hill was approached by TMZ and asked about he felt about West's post, to which Hill offered no response.
Seth Rogen, a friend and frequent-collaborator of Hill's, was also asked about West's post as well in an interview with Cinemablend, who simply laughed at the idea of Hill "curing" Kanye of his antisemitism.
"Happy to be left out of that one. But you know what? Good! Cured! They should send that movie around the world, let everyone watch it! I wrote some jokes for that movie, so I feel slight ownership."
One should of course be wary of Kanye suddenly declaring himself to be amicable to the Jewish community after his behavior and the consequences that followed, especially if he cites a movie for being the apparent-sole reason for him seemingly no longer being antisemitic.
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