November 12, 2024

Kanye West claims Harriet Tubman ‘never actually freed the slaves’ at first campaign rally

Harriet Tubman #HarrietTubman

Kanye West et al. standing next to a man wearing a suit and tie: At his first campaign rally, Kanye West also ranted about abortion, Democrats, and how he was hospitalized because his brain was too big for his head. © Robin Marchant/Getty Images At his first campaign rally, Kanye West also ranted about abortion, Democrats, and how he was hospitalized because his brain was too big for his head.

Contrary to reports that Kanye West dropped out of the presidential race, the rapper went full steam ahead at his first campaign rally on Sunday. West ranted about a variety of topics, including his claim that Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves.”

“Harriet Tubman never actually freed the slaves, she just had the slaves go work for other white people,” the rapper said at his event in Charleston, S.C. One woman in attendance captured the artist, who’s decked out in a bulletproof vest, making the remarks.

“Yo, we’re leaving right now,” she’s heard saying following his comments.

The comments about Tubman came up after West criticized white companies for employing Black symbols, and he used the iconic abolitionist as an example.

Throughout the rally, West made other fiery statements, including that “Democrats ain’t done s— for Blacks” and that he had to go to the hospital because “my brain was too big for my skull.”

The event drew a sizable crowd, but at points the audience could be heard booing and objecting to West’s ramblings.

Onstage, West also grew emotional talking about his views on abortion, revealing that his mother had him against his father’s wishes. The crowd cheered the artist on when he teared up.

“I almost killed my daughter,” the rapper then cried, after revealing he didn’t want then-girlfriend Kim Kardashian to go through with her pregnancy with their first child, North.

While West’s comments were widely chided on social media, many also noted that the rapper’s rhetoric could seriously harm people, including himself.

“This is upsetting. He isn’t well. He hasn’t been for some time. I just hope his inner circle has the courage to put his mental health above their own self-interests before it’s too late,” Insecure star Natasha Rothwell tweeted.

“Somebody needs to stop Kanye before he hurts himself,” Ron Perlman wrote.

“What is most fascinating of Kanye’s endless drivel is that it strips the veneer of infallibility that celebrity perpetuates,” comedian Tom Segura said. “A remarkably gifted artist and at the same time, an exceptional imbecile. That so many can forgive his amplified ignorance speaks to his level of talent.”

The rally was held a day before South Carolina’s filing deadline. To get on the state’s ballot, West needs to get 10,000 signatures by tomorrow. He is currently on the ballot in only one state, Oklahoma, but his team is expected to announce more campaign events, including one in New York.

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