- Kanye West, now known as Ye, is facing controversy on multiple fronts, including reports of a potential divorce. West’s representative denied the divorce claims, stating the couple will address their private life directly.
- An AI-generated video featuring deepfake images of Jewish celebrities responding to West’s antisemitic remarks has sparked backlash, with Scarlett Johansson condemning its use without consent.
- West is also experiencing professional fallout, as talent agent Daniel McCartney announced that his agency, 33 & West, is no longer representing him due to his “harmful” remarks.
Full Story
Kanye West has dominated the entertainment news cycle in recent days. The rapper, now known as Ye, is facing controversy on multiple fronts, from an AI-generated video to reports of a potential divorce and professional setbacks.
Divorce rumors spark confusion
On Thursday, Feb. 13, The Daily Mail reported that West and his wife, Bianca Censori, are allegedly heading for divorce. According to the report, Censori could receive a $5 million payment following their short-lived marriage, which began in December 2022.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
The couple was last seen together at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where Censori wore a sheer, see-through dress while West opted for a fully covered outfit.
However, a representative for West pushed back against the divorce claims.
“Ye and Bianca are in Los Angeles, about to enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Announcements about their private life will come from them directly, not unsourced rumor[s] in the tabloid press,” said West’s representative, Milo Yiannopoulos, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
AI-generated video prompts celebrity backlash
West’s personal life isn’t the only reason he’s in the headlines. An AI-generated video featuring deepfake images of celebrities went viral after it appeared to respond to his recent antisemitic remarks.
The video depicted well-known Jewish celebrities wearing white t-shirts with the Star of David and a raised middle finger with “Kanye” written below. Celebrities featured in the video include Ben Stiller, Drake, Adam Levine, Lenny Kravitz and Scarlett Johansson.
Johansson, who has previously spoken out about the dangers of AI, condemned the video’s use of her likeness without consent.
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it,” Johansson said in a statement to CNN. “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
Johansson also criticized the U.S. government, calling its response to AI regulation “paralyzed.”
The deepfake video was created by generative AI artist Guy Bar, who defended his decision to use the celebrities’ images without permission. In an interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Bar explained the urgency behind the project.
“It had to be very, very fast,” he said. “If we took time, it wouldn’t be relevant.”
Talent agency parts ways with West
In the wake of these controversies, West is also dealing with professional fallout.
Daniel McCartney, a talent agent at 33 & West, announced on Instagram that the agency no longer represents West.
“Effective immediately, I’m no longer representing YE (F/K/A Kanye West) due to his harmful and hateful remarks that myself nor 33 & West can stand for,” McCartney wrote.
