Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel Calls On Companies To End Business Relationships With Kanye West

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel called on companies to sever business ties with Kanye West following his recent controversial statements.

West, who now goes by Ye, has remained in the media following his infamous “Death Con 3” tweet, in which he doubles down on his recent claims of alleged mistreatment by Jewish people.

In a Financial Times op-ed response, Emanuel wrote, “Those who continue to do business with West are giving his misguided hate an audience. There should be no tolerance anywhere for West’s anti-Semitism,” Emanuel wrote in a Financial Times piece. “This is a moment in history where the stakes are high, and being open about our values, and living them, is essential. Silence and inaction are not an option.”

He also suggests that Apple and Spotify stop streaming the rapper’s music.

West is reportedly a billionaire off of his music and fashion endeavors. However, he recently was forced out of a banking relationship and has ended other associations because of his views. And although his career wouldn’t stop if his current business relationships ceased, maintaining his empire at present levels would be difficult, Deadline reported.

Emanuel also refused to accept that the Yeezy mogul’s recent statements could result from his past widely reported battles with mental illness.

“Some of West’s behavior has been dismissed over time, citing mental illness, given that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being hospitalized in 2016,” Emanuel continued. “However, mental illness is not an excuse for racism, hatred or anti-Semitism.”

Emanuel highlighted a potential danger surrounding West’s comments–his young followers.

“West is not just any person — he is a pop culture icon with millions of fans around the world. And among them are young people whose views are still being formed,” he wrote. “This is why it is necessary for all of us to speak out. Hatred and anti-Semitism should have no place in our society, no matter how much money is at stake.”

Emanuel then extended an offer, “if West would like to be educated about the history and consequences of anti-Semitism and the conspiracy theories he’s parroting.”