Photo: WENN
Kanye West has addressed recent reports that he compared himself to the late, great Nelson Mandela after the story originated on a spoof news website.
Satirical website The Daily Currant published a report last Friday (December 6) quoting the rapper as making disrespectful remarks about the former South African president and freedom fighter, who passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday (December 5).
"Mandela was working in South Africa, which has, like what, six people?" the website quoted Kanye West as saying - in the fabricated interview. "I started my magic here in the USA and then I took my business global… I liberate minds with my music. That’s more important than liberating a few people from apartheid or whatever."
Now, Yeezy has clearly been stirred by the story going viral and the ensuing reaction. The rapper has taken to Twitter to dismiss the article.
"Despite recent media reports, I've never said anything to dishonor or trivialize the life or transition of one of the most inspiring leaders," wrote West. "I'd like to address the false stories and noise that have been engineered by the media... At a young age my mother taught me the importance of his work. Mandela sacrificed his life for the betterment of mankind."
He then added a tribute of his own to the late president:
Thank you, Mandela, for your life's work and may it serve as a guiding light to illuminate our future.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) December 9, 2013
Two websites in South Africa ran the quotes before realising they were false and removing them. However, the damage was already done, with outraged readers taking to Twitter to slam the 'Bound 2' rapper. "Kanye West says that he will be the next Nelson Mandela, personally I support his desire to spend 27 years in prison," remarked @TcotAudrey.
"Kanye West said he's going to be the next Nelson Mandela! Your wife is a pornstar and your daughter is a compass. TAKE A SEAT PLEASE," added @ASK__Mimi.
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