"Some people walked so I could run"— Candace Owens thanks Kanye West in her “Antisemite of the Year” speech

Conservative US commentator Candace Owens has been titled "Antisemite of the Year" by StopAntisemitism, a privately funded advocacy group. Previous recipients of this title have been Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Kanye West, and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

StopAntisemitism’s founder, Liora Rez, told The New York Post:

"Candace Owens’ witch’s brew of antisemitism drew from vile medieval blood libels, including claims that Jews drink Christian blood, conspiracies that Jews are pedophiles who control the media and are ‘taking over America,’ and modern toxic anti-Israel hysteria."

Rez further described Owens as a "poisonous hater."

In response to receiving this title, a clip of Candace Owens has gone viral in which she also thanks Kanye West:

"Some people walked so I could run! Like I think of no person who walks further than Kanye West... I absolutely love you Kanye..."

Owens then played an old clip of Ye delivering his acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards. She stated that, in her opinion, the charge of antisemitism didn't hold a real meaning. In the clip, she even referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the "Antisemite of the Year."

According to Owens, if the word "antisemitism" meant something in reality, investigation would be done into Netanyahu, and he should also be arrested.

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Candace Owens has been denied entry into Australia due to her antisemitic remarks

Candace, being named "Antisemite of the Year," should not come as a shock, as she has faced scrutiny for her remarks over time. In October, her entry into Australia was rejected after she apparently made some controversial comments.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke then told news.com.au:

"Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else. From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction."

Owens clearly didn't take the ban very positively. She even reportedly blamed a "Zionist media empire" for the ban placed on her. For those unaware, she was expected to go to New Zealand and Australia for her speaking tour.

In November, she was also denied entry into New Zealand for similar reasons. However, on December 12, 2024, The New York Post reported that the ban had been lifted and she could travel freely. A government spokesperson reportedly said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the "importance of free speech."

Earlier this year, in March, Owens cut ties with Daily Wire, a right-leaning media outlet. She had been working with Daily Wire since 2021. The New York Post reported that Owens may have been under a gag order restricting her from opening up about the intricacies surrounding the resignation.

Regarding Owens' remarks, she has faced criticism not only from StopAntisemitism but also from Ben Shapiro, who called her remarks "absolutely disgraceful."