Kanye West recently found himself at the center of yet another controversy. However, this time the rapper did absolutely nothing wrong.
If you did a search for West on Twitter this weekend, then you probably stumbled a metric ton of angry individuals who thought Kanye West had seriously disrespected the civil rights icon by declaring that he was the “next Nelson Mandela.” Fortunately for the rapper, the whole thing was a hoax. The interview in question is a complete fake.
In an effort to capitalize on West’s popularity and the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, the folks over at the satire site The Daily Currant ran a disrespectful interview with the rapper that contained the outrageous quote in question. Not surprisingly, a lot of people thought the chat was the real deal.
The website claims Kanye West recently stopped by a Chicago radio station to promote the music video for “Bound 2.” When asked who could possibly replace Nelson Mandela, the rapper reportedly pointed the finger directly at himself.
Here’s the quote that started the backlash:
“I am the next Nelson Mandela. I’m only 36 years old, and when I look at everything I’ve accomplished, it’s the only comparison that makes any sense. By the time I’m 95, I’m going to be a bigger hero than he ever was. Nelson Mandela did a lot of good work, don’t get me wrong. But I think I’m on track to do something even bigger. I liberate minds with my music. That’s more important than liberating a few people from apartheid or whatever.”
But wait — there’s more:
“Not to say Mandela wasn’t for real. I have mad respect. I just think we need to keep things in perspective here. Anyone can be replaced. And I think I’m well on my way towards being the next great black leader. I’m already worshiped around the world. And there’s more to come.”
Although the website’s tagline is “The Global Satirical Newspaper of Record,” a lot of people seemed to miss this crucial element. In short: The interview didn’t happen . Before long, social media was filled with posts that called for Kanye West’s head. Check out a few reactions to the rapper’s alleged comments below.
What was Kanye west thinking even comparing himself to Nelson Mandela different calibers completely!!
— Jack in the Box (@OhSoCharmingg) December 8, 2013
So Kanye West reckons he is the next Nelson Mandela… If you can’t think of any sensible/intelligent to say Kanye, please shut the hell up.
— Lisa Maynard-Atem (@STYLISA) December 8, 2013
I was really entertained by all Kanye West’s outbursts and stuff.. But umm.. Now he says he’s the next Mandela. No. Just. No.
— In My Mind. (@Ndibo_) December 8, 2013
How can Kanye West say he’s the next Nelson Mandela, he’s done nothing worthy but I’d like to see him locked up for the next 27 years
— Tyra Kaur (@tyraaax) December 8, 2013
People need to STOP liking Kanye, I’m disgusted at what he said in his interview about Nelson Mandela, how could he http://t.co/7gaBI7UR9J
— smokahontas (@GogiKeca) December 8, 2013
Were you fooled by the fake interview with Kanye West about Nelson Mandela?
