Ye formerly known as Kanye West, is at it again with the antisemitism. The Yeezy boss just stirred up further controversy or outright bigotry, depending on who you ask, this weekend by posting a highly unusual casting call on X (formerly Twitter) for those interested in being part of a “hooligan choir” to perform his track “Carnival” from his upcoming album Vultures (2024). The open call, which has already sparked widespread backlash, included a list of detailed, specific requirements for those interested in participating.
Get ready for this mess …
Among the ridiculous conditions West posted, he specified that all applicants must be “all males” who share a “skin complexion of Sean Combs and darker” and must either have “shaved heads” or be “willing to shave head if approved.” One of the more controversial parts of the casting call included a statement which read, “NO FAT PEOPLE,” and West also included a request that participants “MUST BE COMFORTABLE WEARING SWASTIKAS.”
The casting call is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, and applicants must apply by March 19.
These shenanigans come at a time when Ye, has faced intense scrutiny, backlash and pretty much cancellation in many arenas for his past bigoted behavior. Recently, he collaborated with Sean “Diddy” Combs on a track titled “Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine,” which was released while Combs is facing charges in connection to sexual assault allegations. This comes shortly after West’s high-profile public fallout, including losing partnerships with major brands like Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga due to his previous controversial statements.
As TDE Punch recently asked, and we’re paraphrasing without the colorful language: what’s up with Ye?