John Legend says he's no longer close friends with Kanye West, but 'not because of the Trump thing'
John Legend has revealed that he is not as close to rapper Kanye West as he used to be. Legend shared that they are in "different places" in their lives. The 41-year-old singer was asked about his friendship with the rapper while doing an interview with the Sunday Times on May 31. He also addressed the falling out between the pair due to West's vocal support of Donald Trump, US Weekly reports. "I don’t think we’re less friends because of the Trump thing," Legend said.
"I just think we’re doing our own thing. He’s up in Wyoming [where West owns a $14 million ranch]. I’m here in L.A. We’ve both got growing families and I no longer have a formal business relationship with him as an artist, so I think it’s just part of the natural cycle of life," he continued. He also shared that he and the 'Stronger' rapper have never discussed politics together and said it was never a part of their interaction. "Our interaction was almost always about creativity and music," Legend said. Legend also shared that he and West are in different places musically as well. "He’s doing gospel music. That’s what he’s focused on right now, designing his clothes, so we’re in different places."
The two had previously been close pals and Legend had even performed at West's wedding to Kim Kardashian in 2014. Four years after the wedding, the two seemed to have a rift over West's controversial Twitter rants. In 2018, West shared some screengrabs of a conversation that he had with John Legend where he wrote, "Hey it’s JL. I hope you’ll reconsider alining [sic] yourself with Trump. You’re way too powerful and influential to endorse who he is and what he stands for. As you know, what you say really means something to your fans."
"They are loyal to you and respect your opinion. So many people who love you feel so betrayed right now because they know the harm that Trump’s policies cause, especially to people of color. Don’t let this be part of your legacy. You’re the greatest artist of our generation," the message read. West had responded saying, "I love you John and I appreciate your thoughts. You bringing up my fans or my legacy is a tactic based on fear used to manipulate my free thought." He had also later shared an explanation about why he posted the private messages. He wrote, "I tweeted the John text to show that there are people around me that disagree with me and voice their opinion. I respect everyone’s opinion but I stand my ground. If you feel something don’t let peer pressure manipulate you." We had earlier reported that John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen are among the several celebrities in support of the nationwide protests that are happening over the death of George Floyd.
Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who has been arrested and charged with murder, was seen in a viral video kneeling on the neck of Floyd despite him repeatedly saying that he could not breathe. Legend said he would be donating to three organizations that support the protests: The Bail Project, Movement 4 Black Lives, and the National Lawyers Guild. "Americans have the first amendment right to peacefully protest oppression and injustice. Chrissy and I will be donating to these 3 organizations which are organizing, supporting, and defending those marching for justice: @Mvmnt4BlkLives @nlgnews @bailproject," he wrote in his tweet. He followed up his tweet with a reminder for all to take precautions and stay safe amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. "Please stay as safe as you can. There is still a deadly virus that thrives on people being really close to each other. Distance as much as possible and wear a mask to protect yourself and others!"