Kanye says no longer anti-Semite after watching actor Jonah Hill

The rapper – now known as Ye – has shocked and alarmed former supporters with a series of threats against Jewish people.

Kanye West says he likes ‘Jewish people again’. Picture: AFP

WASHINGTON: Kanye West said he was renouncing anti-Semitism in a new Instagram post in which he wrote that watching actor Jonah Hill in the film 21 Jump Street made him “like Jewish people again”.

The rapper – now known as Ye – has shocked and alarmed former supporters with a series of threats against Jewish people that drove sportswear giant Adidas and other fashion houses to dump him, and saw him locked out of most social media platforms.

His latest Instagram post overnight on Saturday appeared to be an attempt to reverse his earlier declarations of “love” for Nazis and admiration for Adolf Hitler. “Watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump street made me like Jewish people again,” he wrote.

‘I love you’: Jonah Hill

“No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people. No Christian can be labelled anti-Semite knowing Jesus is Jew Thank you Jonah Hill I love you.”

Some social media users appeared to greet the declaration with humour, but many were not buying it.

“Doesn’t work that way Kanye. Damage is already done. The seeds of hate you planted already sprouted,” one wrote on Twitter.

The rapper, who has spoken openly about his struggles with mental illness, has seen his business relationships crumble in recent months as his erratic behaviour and extreme speech continue to raise concerns.

AFP