Kanye West returned to social media last week and it feels like he’s been tweeting non-stop ever since.
Many people have been rather taken aback by the rapper’s increasingly strange tweets which today (April 26) included accusing his musical friend John Legend of ‘manipulating [his] free thought’ after West shared his love of controversial US President Donald Trump.
40-year-old West has long been mates with 39-year-old singer Legend and so thought it was okay to share a screenshot of a tense personal text exchange between the two.
Thankfully it ended hilariously so we’re pretty sure they’re still friends!
Sharing the screenshot with no caption on Twitter, Legend can be seen texting West:
Hey it’s JL. I hope you’ll reconsider aligning yourself with Trump.
You’re way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for. As you know, what you say really means something to your fans.
They are loyal to you and respect your opinion. So many people who love you feel so betrayed right now because they know the harm that Trump’s policies cause, especially to people of colour.
Don’t let this be part of your legacy. You’re the greatest artist of our generation.
Although Legend’s message was rather polite, even if it was asking West to change his political views, the rapper was not receptive of what his pal had to say.
He replied:
I love you John and I appreciate your thoughts. You bringing up my fans or my legacy is a tactic based on fear used to manipulate my free thought.
Legend has been very vocal about his distaste of the 45th president while West on the other hand has recently been sharing photos on Twitter of himself wearing a signed Make America Great Again hat, Trump’s famous campaign slogan.
After sharing the screenshot West later tweeted an explanation as to why he did it.
He wrote:
I tweeted the John text to show that there are people around me that disagree with me and voice their opinion. I respect everyone’s opinion but I stand my ground.
If you feel something don’t let peer pressure manipulate you.
And West is right. He is entitled to his own political opinion without feeling the force and pressure from others to change his mind.
Even if it is his support of Trump.
Despite West’s reply, Legend sent him a further message which showed the pair are still the best of friends.
Realising the rapper had shared the exchange on Twitter, the singer even cheekily asked for some free promotion texting back:
Think freely. Think with empathy and context too.
Your words and actions have consequences. Much love.
And since you’re posting texts let me add that I have a new single out haha.
West saw the funny side of things and sent Legend a message back saying ‘I love you John’.
How sweet!
West even later tweeted ‘John Legend new single online now’ to show his support.
Welcome back to social media, Kanye. We’ve missed you.
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