If there’s anyone in the world who’s been involved in more controversy recently than rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West, it’s probably NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown as recently he flashed his manhood in a hotel pool, made light of the situation with a crass Tweet, allegedly stole $122,000 in jewelry, made fun of the mentally ill on Twitter, and didn’t even show up to court for his assault settlement. So it’s totally unsurprising that Brown is still supporting Ye after his antisemitic comments – especially since he stood by him after he wore a WHITE LIVES MATTER shirt.
While many brands and athletes across the country were ending their cutting ties with Kanye West, Antonio Brown took to Twitter to announce his continued support of the controversial rapper in a long, bizarre statement.
#DONDA pic.twitter.com/IkvsAlEKWU
— AB (@AB84) October 26, 2022
Here is Brown’s full statement on West’s controversy:
Over the past few weeks the world’s reactionary and selective outrage at comments in the media made by my brother, Ye, have inflamed and sparked rampant conversation and reflection. I too have been able to reflect on statements that I and others in my circle have made that lack clarity in expressing my stance. The people and brands that have relentlessly profited from Black ideas and Black culture chose to distance themselves at a very specific time: a time that demonstrated their prioritization of certain groups over others.
None of us in this world are free of judgment, yet we live in a time where scrutiny and pessimism have driven our dialogues on cultural issues toward diatribes. Sensationalism and groupthink have forced people to not speak their minds and act out in fear rather than love. For these reasons, I stand by my dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion. I actively seek to coexist in places where I may have a difference of opinion because it’s diversity in thought that pushes humanity forward. Let me be clear, discrimination of any kind is an injustice to all people, which is exactly why I wish to issue this statement.
As the President of Donda Sports, I remain.
I remain true to the mission of Donda and our amazing staff and community.
I remain dedicated to helping clarify statements taken out of proportion by the media.
I remain committed to bringing new ideas, experiences, and designs to our world.
I remain in support of the humanity that is Ye.
-AB
Brown and West have had a close relationship for quite some time, working together in the music industry following Brown’s retirement from the NFL. The two also had plans to purchase an NFL team.
