Kanye West called the Black Lives Matter movement a “scam” after wearing a White Lives Matter shirt to his surprise Yeezy fashion show.
“Everyone knows Black Lives Matter was a scam now that it’s over, you’re welcome,” he wrote on his Instagram Story on Tuesday morning.
The statement came after the fashion designer donned the headline-making top, featuring the Pope’s face on the front, alongside equally controversial political commentator Candace Owens during Paris Fashion Week’s presentation Monday.
Some models on his show wore the same shirt with “White Lives Matter” printed on the back, prompting fans and celebrities to react on social media. Jaden Smith, who attended 45-year-old West’s show, left early after seeing the messages.
“I Had To Dip Lol,” the 24-year-old singer tweeted Monday.
“I don’t care who it is if I don’t feel the message that I’m gone,” he added. “Black lives matter.”
“Sending a “WHITE LIVES MATTER” t-shirt on a catwalk in Paris is literally madness and no amount of gospel will bring that man through the gates of heaven, I’m so sorry,” one person tweeted.
Another wrote“Note, Kanye just called Kim [Kardashian] and kris [Jenner] the kkk 2 weeks ago and now he is wearing a white lives matter shirt.”
West has yet to tackle the fashion choice directly, though he reminded everyone during his show that he is uncontrollable.
“I’m Ye, and everyone here knows I’m the leader,” he said at one point, referring to his new legal name. “You can’t manage me.”
Failing to spark controversy and insult, his Season 9 line debuted with an uplifting surprise — giving his daughter North West a chance to showcase her singing.
Standing in the middle of the roundabout where the show was held, West and ex-wife Kardashian’s oldest child sang along to inspiring tunes interspersed with beats from The Fugees and Macklemore.