John Legend is speaking out about the disturbing transformation of his former mentor and friend, Kanye West, expressing heartbreak over what he calls Ye’s “devolution.”
In a candid new interview with The Times, the “All of Me” singer reflected on his long-lost friendship with the man who first signed him to G.O.O.D. Music in 2004 — saying the Kanye of today is far from the visionary who once lifted up those around him.
“It Feels Sad, Sometimes Shocking”
“Back then, Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams — not just for himself but also for all the people around him,” Legend said. “It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”
The Grammy-winning artist admitted he could never have predicted Ye’s descent into rampant antisemitism and anti-Black rhetoric, adding:
“It is sad to see his devolution.”
A Turning Point After Donda’s Death
While acknowledging that it’s not appropriate to psychoanalyze Kanye from afar, Legend said he noticed a major change in his former friend after the tragic death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007.
“His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”
Kanye’s public behavior has only grown more concerning in recent years, from inflammatory statements about Jewish people and Hitler admiration, to personal attacks on his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, including wishing he had fathered children with her friend Paris Hilton instead.
A Political and Personal Divide
John previously confirmed in 2022 that his friendship with Kanye ended primarily due to political differences. While Kanye has been vocal about his support for Donald Trump, John is an outspoken critic of the former president and now 2024 candidate.
Siggy Flicker Also Slams Kanye
Legend’s remarks come just as former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Siggy Flicker lashed out at Kanye in an interview with TMZ, criticizing his “Heil Hitler” song and ongoing antisemitic rhetoric.
A passionate Trump supporter herself, Flicker said she believes karma is already catching up to Kanye for his hateful obsessions and vile remarks.
Despite their political divide, both Siggy and John seem to agree on at least one thing: Kanye West has crossed a deeply troubling line.
Quick Summary
- John Legend calls Kanye West’s transformation “sad and shocking” in a new interview, pointing to his antisemitism and anti-Black rhetoric.
- He says Kanye’s downfall began after his mother Donda’s death in 2007.
- The two former friends stopped speaking over political differences, especially Kanye’s support for Trump.
- Siggy Flicker also slammed Kanye’s antisemitic comments and Hitler-themed music.
