Kim Kardashian forced Kanye to make U-turn and join George Floyd death protests, claim industry insiders
A number of music industry insiders are wondering whether Kim Kardashian is behind Kanye West's support of Black Lives Matter considering the latter has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Page Six, one source claimed that Kardashian — a vocal criminal justice and prison reform firebrand herself — was the catalyst for her husband to act. The 'Famous' rapper sprung into action last week by setting up a college fund for George Floyd's daughter, Gianna, and donating over $2 million to BLM outfits. He even joined protesters in his hometown of Chicago.
But a rep for Kardashian told the outlet that it wasn't true that she pushed Kanye to act. “Kanye fully made the decision to donate and peacefully protest in Chicago on his own accord,” the rep said.
Meanwhile, a source close to Kanye — whose hits 'Yeezus' and 'New Slaves' touch on race and equality — told the outlet he's always been fully engaged in his response.
“He was pained by the video of the murder of George Floyd and fully supports the peaceful protesting happening around the world,” the source said, adding that "he has always been a fierce advocate for black lives, racial equality and human rights. People confuse his support of the president to mean he supports his politics and ideology... it’s never about politics.”
The power couple is reportedly back to their supportive selves after rumors that they hit a rough patch while quarantining at their Los Angeles home.
“Kim and Kanye are doing great,” a source recently told HollywoodLife. “The rumors that they’re having issues right now do not bother them. They’re paying no attention to anything but what’s happening in our world right now.”
Both Kim and Kanye have been “focused during this time on using their platforms for good” and “doing their best to educate others on what’s happening. They’re both very passionate about it and thinking of ways to help," the source said.
The insider also said that Kim was quite moved by Kanye's financial pledge to support the families and was "proud" of his concern for little Gianna. “Kim is very supportive and proud that Kanye set up this college fund for George’s [Floyd’s] daughter. He had been thinking of the best way to help the situation and came up with this which is why he did it when he did," they said.
Meanwhile, Kim has been effectively identifying protesters who have been victims of excessive force used by some police officers during the protests.
“This is heartbreaking and so disturbing,” Kim wrote in response to the photo of a protester who had allegedly been hit by a rubber bullet in Minneapolis. “Does anyone know how I can get in contact with her? I would love to help her with her medical care if she needs it.”
Kim and Kanye are among a growing chorus of celebrities who are calling for societal change. In fact, many have taken to the streets and joined peaceful protests against institutionalized discrimination across the globe. 'Star Wars' actor John Boyega joined a rally in London's Hyde Park, while 'Hustlers' star Keke Palmer asked National Guardsmen to join the protest and march through Los Angeles.