The root for his feud with Kanye West, according to American musician and songwriter John Legend, was their political differences.
Legend said on CNN’s The Axe Files podcast:
“We’re not as close as we once were. I honestly believe that since we openly differed on his candidacy for government and his support for Trump, it became too much for us to maintain our relationship.”
He went on to say:
“I wasn’t alone in this, but, you know, he wasn’t pleased. We haven’t been in touch since.”
Kanye West has been an outspoken admirer of former United States President Donald Trump. He recently stated that he “was still wearing a red hat.” West also campaigned for president as a third-party candidate in 2020. His campaign, however, was controlled by a group of Republican operatives who wanted Trump re-elected.
Kanye chastised Legend and Big Sean for not supporting him during his presidential campaign in November. During an appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, the musician stated:
“When I campaigned for office, the Democrats quickly exploited John Legend and Big Sean to attack the youngster who had altered their lives. That’s some scumbag nonsense. And I don’t rock with any of them, so please accept my apologies.”
Kanye West and John Legend’s feud in 2018
Legend and Kanye’s political differences are not new, dating back to 2018. In a 202 interview, John Legend said that he does not consider Kanye West to be a close friend and that their declining connection is part of the normal cycle of life. Kanye West officially announced his support for the former US president in 2018, after which Legend allegedly asked him to rethink. According to reports, John Legend told West that he was too strong and important to back Trump.
As a young musician, @johnlegend teamed up w/a rising @kanyewest. They remained close for years–but no more. “Because we publicly disagreed on his running for office, his supporting Trump, it became too much for us to sustain our friendship.”#AxeFiles👉https://t.co/d65LXO75Tl pic.twitter.com/vr0PFZ53HV
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) August 5, 2022
While Kanye would not change his support for Trump, Legend expressed disappointment but said that he would not disavow West. He also said that they “weren’t the best of friends.” Legend said in a 2020 interview that he and West continue to dispute over the subject, saying:
“But, as I’ve always stated, we never discussed politics before.” It was never mentioned throughout our conversation. Our conversations were nearly always about music and art.”
Kanye West has recently had multiple public squabbles. He recently had a public spat with American rapper Kid Cudi, who looked to be buddies with Pete Davidson. Kim Kardashian, Kanye West’s ex-wife, is dating Davidson. Kanye has said publicly that Cudi would not perform on his next album ‘DONDA 2’ because “he’s pals with you know who.” He also said that “we all talk in Billie language today,” implying his public spat with Billie EIlish.
