“It can spread toxic confusion”: BLM Grassroots condemns Kanye West ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt

Kanye West wore a White Lives Matter shirt leading to controversies (Image via Stephane Cardinale-Corbis/Getty Images)
Kanye West wore a White Lives Matter shirt leading to controversies (Image via Stephane Cardinale-Corbis/Getty Images)

The "Black Lives Matter" movement has gained recognition once again after Kanye West recently wore a shirt featuring the words "White Lives Matter" to the YZY show. Things got controversial when Black Lives Matter Grassroots (BLMGR) said it was an act to hurt those battling for justice.

In a statement, BLMGR said:

“While some may see Kanye and Candace’s stunt as a distraction, we recognize that it harms thousands of families fighting for justice for their loved ones killed by state-sanctioned violence.”

BLM Grassroots also criticized Candace Owens, who was wearing a similar shirt, stating that it can lead to "toxic confusion" followed by violent acts on black people. They mentioned that Ye knows white lives have not been targeted for oppression.

In comparison, BLMGR said, black people are virtually at the bottom of every "economic, social, and political measure because of centuries of individual and institutional racism."

The statement by Black Lives Matter Grassroots comes after Ye called "Black Lives Matter" a scam. On his Instagram story, he wrote:

"Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam now it's over. You're welcome."

BLM Grassroots replied by stating that the movement would benefit everyone because "when black people get free, everybody gets free."


Kanye West faces backlash from activists for wearing "White Lives Matter" shirt

Marc Lamont Hill reacted to Kanye West's shirt controversy (Images via Gotham and Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)
Marc Lamont Hill reacted to Kanye West's shirt controversy (Images via Gotham and Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)

Famous author and television personality Marc Lamont Hill appeared on TMZ Live on Tuesday, October 4 to speak on Kanye West’s decision to wear a "White Lives Matter" shirt. He stated that Ye is only excused because of his mental health.

Ye has been suffering from bipolar disorder for a long time, and he once stated that he refuses to take his medicine sometimes. However, Marc mentioned that this should not be considered a reason to let Ye get away and that this is outrageous behavior.

Speaking to TMZ Live, Hill also stated that "mental illness doesn't make you a whole new person," and that someone with a mental illness can’t do things the way Ye did.

Apart from Hill, Ye’s former partner, Kim Kardashian, reacted to the act by stating that she was not surprised by the same since it is something that she has been familiar with for a long time. However, Kim was bothered about Ye’s collaboration with Owens.

It should be noted that Owens had already used derogatory words against Kim in her podcast, stating that Kim’s mother, Kris Jenner, sold her daughter for some money and popularity. Ye is well-aware of Kim’s problems with Owens, and he was still spotted with her.

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In 2020, Kanye West was a huge supporter of the "Black Lives Matter" movement. He not only marched in protests but also donated $2 million to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.


Edited by Shreya Das
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