In his new documentary, Kanye West doesn’t hold back as he directly addresses the “White Lives Matter” controversy, a moment that shook both fashion and hip-hop culture. Read more about Kanye’s past controversies here.
A viral TikTok clip from the film shows Ye laughing off the stunt before shifting to frustration about the backlash.
“It was a joke like what the f**k. Matter fact I decided that I am white, how about that? I want a race change.”
Then the scene cuts to Kanye talking to his staff, making it clear he won’t budge on his stance.
“I’m able to do whatever the fk I want! And I’m not screaming at you but period! I write whatever the fk I want when I want!”
This moment takes us back to the chaos of Paris Fashion Week, when Kanye rocked the infamous tee during his Yeezy Season 9 show, igniting outrage worldwide.
The Origin Of Kanye West’s “White Lives Matter” Shirt
At Paris Fashion Week in 2022, Kanye and conservative commentator Candace Owens wore shirts with the words “White Lives Matter” plastered across the back, alongside images of popes on the front. The move was seen as a direct shot at the Black Lives Matter movement.
Kanye later defended his decision in an interview with Tucker Carlson, saying: “White lives matter because they do.”
He doubled down, calling it just “a Black man stating the obvious,” claiming the phrase came from a conversation with his father.
But to many, “White Lives Matter” wasn’t just a phrase—it was a white supremacist slogan used to discredit the fight against systemic racism. That’s why the backlash was instant.
Public And Celebrity Backlash Against Kanye West
The controversy sparked a wave of public outrage. Celebrities, journalists, and activists all weighed in.
Jaden Smith walked out of the fashion show and tweeted support for Black Lives Matter.
Vogue’s global fashion editor called the stunt “pure violence.”
Social media timelines were flooded with criticism, calling Kanye’s message irresponsible and dangerous.
Kanye poured gas on the fire by hopping on Instagram and labeling the Black Lives Matter movement a “scam.” He referenced reports of alleged financial misconduct by nonprofit leaders, but instead of sparking dialogue, it only deepened the backlash.
Even threats of violence came his way, but Ye kept wearing the shirt in public, proving he wasn’t backing down.
Kanye West’s Documentary Shows His Mindset
The new documentary reveals Kanye’s unfiltered mindset. His raw rants make it clear: he sees his actions as freedom of thought, not provocation.
He argues that as an artist, he can challenge narratives—even if the world sees it as toxic. His declaration in the film:
“I’m able to do whatever the f**k I want!”reinforces his belief in unrestrained expression.
But the question remains—where is the line between free speech and fueling harmful ideologies?
The Larger Cultural Impact Of Kanye’s Statement
The “White Lives Matter” controversy wasn’t just about one shirt. It was about Kanye’s place in conversations on race, culture, and influence.
For many in the Black community, the move felt like betrayal. Black Lives Matter isn’t just a slogan—it’s a fight against oppression and violence. By elevating a phrase tied to white supremacy, Ye gave legitimacy to forces working against that movement.
At the same time, his documentary shows he doesn’t care about mainstream reactions. He’s standing on his art, his freedom, and his provocations, even if it costs him fans, fashion deals, or industry respect.