John Legend has admitted a lot of people are “really concerned” about Kanye West.
The popular singer used to be close friends with the rapper, but the pair have lost touch in recent years.
Speaking on New York Magazine’s On with Kara Swisher podcast this week, the 43-year-old confessed Kanye has “definitely changed” as he called out his “harmful behaviour”.
John explained: “I do find him different than he was back then.”
“I didn’t see hints of this kind of harmful behaviour back then but, you know, I think life happens to people, and I think the death of his mother probably had something to do with this.”
“I don’t want to play armchair psychologist, but he’s definitely changed, and a lot of us who have known him over the years are really concerned about it.”
When asked if he’s still in contact with Kanye, the singer confessed: “Well, I know people in his life that are, but we have lost touch.”
“We have not been friends for a while now, and so I’m not personally doing anything, but I do know people who are, and a lot of people are concerned about him,” he added.
Kanye has faced major backlash in recent weeks over an anti-Semitic message he posted on Twitter.
In a since-deleted post, the Yeezy founder wrote that he was “sleepy” but planned “to go death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE” when he woke up.
He continued: “The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew. Also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
Last month, members of the Goyim Defense League, a group that spreads conspiracy theories about Jews, displayed anti-Semitic banners on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles.
The group appeared to support West, as their banners read: “Honk if you know… Kanye is right about the Jews… GOYIM TV.TV. REV 3:9, John 8:44.”
The anti-Semitic protest sparked outrage on social media, and many celebrities took to social media to share their support for the Jewish community – including Kanye’s ex Kim Kardashian.
In a statement, the 42-year-old wrote on Twitter: “Hate speech is never OK or excusable. I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric toward them to come to an immediate end.”
Amid the backlash against Kanye, huge brands like Balenciaga and Adidas have cut ties with the rapper, while stores like Gap, T.J Maxx and Foot Locker have all refused to stock Yeezy merchandise.
Most recently, Skechers alleged that Kanye showed up at one of their corporate offices in LA “unannounced and uninvited” and had to be escorted off the property by two executives.
In a statement, the footwear brand wrote: “Skechers is not considering and has no intention of working with West. We condemn his recent divisive remarks and do not tolerate antisemitism or any other form of hate speech.”
“The Company would like to again stress that West showed up unannounced and uninvited to Skechers corporate offices.”
Alongside the backlash surrounding his anti-Semitic tweet, the rapper was also slammed for taking aim at Vogue contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson last month.
The 45-year-old is also being sued for $250 million by George Floyd’s daughter, for comments he made over the circumstances of his death.
Last month, it was reported that Kanye had hired Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez and her firm to oversee his business matters.
However, TMZ have since reported that Camille informed her firm Brown Rudnick that she would no longer work with Kanye after he doubled down on his anti-Semitic remarks.
During an interview with Piers Morgan on October 19, Kanye said he doesn’t regret his anti-Semitic tweet, but apologised for causing people “hurt”.
“I will say I’m sorry for the people that I hurt with the death con [comments],” he said.
“I feel like I caused hurt and confusion. And I’m sorry for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I had been through, and that I used my platform where you say hurt people hurt people. I was hurt.”
Kim filed for divorce from Kanye in February 2021, after almost seven years of marriage.
While the pair appeared amicable after their split, their divorce took a nasty turn late last year when Kim started dating SNL comedian Pete Davidson.
After they went public with their romance, Kanye launched a number of scathing social media attacks against Kim and her beau.
The rapper’s online behaviour led to him being suspended from Instagram for 24 hours, and he was also banned from performing at this year’s Grammys back in April.
He also released two music videos which depicted him “burying” animated versions of Pete.
The reality star and SNL comedian have since parted ways due to their conflicting schedules.
Kim and Kanye tied-the-knot back in 2014, and share four kids together – North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3.
According to reports, the former couple are nearing a settlement in their divorce after Kanye filed a declaration of disclosure – which typically indicates that a divorce case is on the verge of being settled.
