Los Angeles, CA Kanye West is facing widespread backlash after airing a surprise Super Bowl ad for his Yeezy brand, which directed viewers to a website selling T-shirts featuring a swastika. The controversy has ignited renewed criticism of the rapper’s recent history of antisemitic remarks, further escalating tensions between West and the public.
According to CNN, the unauthorized Super Bowl ad appeared during a regional slot, featuring low-budget visuals and cryptic messages before flashing a link to a website that reportedly sold merchandise with Nazi symbolism, including swastikas intertwined with the Star of David. The site, believed to be directly linked to West’s Yeezy brand, was quickly taken down following public outrage.
Rolling Stone reported that West personally funded the ad and its distribution, bypassing major networks and instead securing local airtime in select regions. The website in question also featured links to unverified social media pages promoting extremist content, prompting calls for legal action against West and his brand.
The response has been swift and severe. Several Jewish organizations and advocacy groups have condemned the move, with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) calling for corporate partners and streaming services to sever all remaining ties with the West. Some former Yeezy supporters have also distanced themselves, with sneaker resale platforms delisting Yeezy products following the controversy.
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter noted that West has refused to issue a direct statement, though he reportedly mocked the backlash in a series of cryptic social media posts and defended the move as “free expression.”
With major retailers, former business partners, and now the NFL audience condemning his actions, Kanye West’s public image continues to deteriorate. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this latest scandal will lead to further financial and legal repercussions.