Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Chance the Rapper apologises for supporting Kanye West's comments about Donald Trump

'I'd never support anyone who has made a career of hatred, racism and discrimination'

Jack Shepherd
Friday 27 April 2018 10:48 EDT
Comments
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chance the Rapper has released a lengthy statement after Donald Trump posted a message praising the artist.

The 25-year-old had posted a Tweet reading "Black people don’t have to be democrats" after fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West said himself and the President share "dragon energy".

Trump then responded with a message saying West had "performed a great service to the Black Community" and thanked Chance and Dr Darrell Scott, saying "they really get it".

In the new statement, Chance - who featured on West's album The Life of Pablo - explained why he initially commented on West's Tweets, saying he could not stand by as a "brother-in-Christ" was being picked apart by critics.

However, Chance said the comment was not made in support of Trump: "I'd never support anyone who has made a career of hatred, racism and discrimination. I'd never support someone who'd talk about Chicago as if it's hell on Earth and then take steps to make life harder for the most disenfranchised of us."

He continued" "So let my apology be seen in my future works, and let me make up for my poorly timed comments with immediate action and advocacy for those who need it most." Read the full statement below.

Meanwhile, West has caused uproar over his messages on Trump, the likes of John Legend asking the rapper to "reconsider aligning" with the President. West replied by saying Legend was attempting to "manipulate my free thought".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in