Antonio Brown Defends Kanye West Amid Received Backlash For Antisemitic Remarks, Claims The Rapper’s Comments Were ‘Taken Out Of Proportion’ & Companies Who Booted Him Profit Off Of The Black Community

Antonio Brown, Kanye West

Antonio Brown Defends Kanye West Amid Received Backlash For Antisemitic Remarks, Claims The Rapper’s Comments Were ‘Taken Out Of Proportion’ & Companies Who Booted Him Profit Off Of The Black Community

Antonio Brown doesn’t believe that Kanye West should be penalized for using his right to freedom of speech.

former NFL star Antonio Brown, who’s reportedly the president of Kanye West’s Donda Sports company, took to Twitter yesterday night (Oct. 25) to release a statement defending the rapper after multiple businesses decided to cut ties with him for his antisemitic comments. Antonio Brown shared:

“Over the past few weeks the world’s reactionary and selective outrage at comments in the media made by my brother, Ye, have inflamed and sparked rampant conversation and reflection. I too have been able to reflect on statements that I and others in my circle have made that lack clarity in expressing my stance. The people and brands that have relentlessly profited from Black ideas and Black culture chose to distance themselves at a very specific time: a time that demonstrated their prioritization of certain groups over others.”

The wide receiver continued:

“None of us in this world are free of judgment, yet we live in a time where scrutiny and pessimism have driven our dialogues on cultural issues toward diatribes. Sensationalism and groupthink have forced people to not speak their minds and act out in fear rather than love. For these reasons, I stand by my dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion. I actively seek to coexist in places where I may have a difference of opinion because it’s diversity in thought that pushes humanity forward. Let me be clear, discrimination of any kind is an injustice to all people, which is exactly why I wish to issue this statement.”

The 34-year-old added:

“As the President of Donda Sports, I remain. I remain true to the mission of Donda and our amazing staff and community. I remain dedicated to helping clarify statements taken out of proportion by the media. I remain committed to bringing new ideas, experiences, and designs to our world. I remain in support of the humanity that is Ye.”

As previously reported, Forbes made it official that Grammy-Award winner Kanye West can no longer be considered a billionaire after multiple companies decided to terminate their partnership with the fashion designer. Most recently, Adidas announced that they have decided to end their partnership with the “Homecoming” artist as well, following seven years of an Adidas/Yeezy relationship. In a statement, the sports brand said:

“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”

This doesn’t come as a surprise after the Chicago native lost his relationship with Balenciaga in recent weeks due to his controversial comments about Black people, George Floyd, and the Jewish community.  In a statement parent company Kering announced:

“Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist.”

What are your thoughts on Antonio Brown sticking up for Kanye West after companies have decided to end their relationship with him? Share it with us in the comments below.