YouTube Music Chief Lyor Cohen Writes Open Letter Condemning Kanye West's Antisemitism

YouTube Music Chief Lyor Cohen Writes Open Letter Condemning Kanye West's Antisemitism

By Alexander Mitchell

February 12, 2025 at 08:34 PM

YouTube's Global Music head Lyor Cohen has written an open letter to Kanye West, addressing the rapper's recent antisemitic behavior and controversial actions. The letter comes amid escalating concerns about West's public conduct.

Kanye West and YouTube Music executive

Kanye West and YouTube Music executive

Recent events prompting the letter include:

  • West's antisemitic posts on X/Twitter on February 7
  • The release of merchandise featuring Nazi symbols on Yeezy.com
  • A lawsuit from a former employee alleging verbal abuse and Hitler-praising text messages

In response to West's actions:

  • 33 & West talent agency dropped him after nine months
  • Shopify removed his Yeezy.com merchandise shop
  • Industry leaders have spoken out against his behavior

Cohen's letter emphasizes:

  • Deep concern over West's use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric
  • The importance of responsible influence given rising antisemitism
  • The historical collaboration between Jewish and Black communities in music
  • A call for West to use his platform for unity rather than division

The letter concludes with a plea for reflection and a return to promoting understanding between communities.

Backstreet Boys performing at Sphere

Backstreet Boys performing at Sphere

As a former CEO of Def Jam Recordings who worked closely with West, Cohen's letter carries particular weight in addressing these ongoing controversies within the music industry.

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