David Schwimmer, known for his role in "Friends," has expressed strong criticism of rapper Kanye West (now legally named Ye) for his recent anti-Semitic tweets.
In a since-deleted tweet on October 8, Ye wrote, "I'm a little sleepy tonight, but when I wake up, I'm going to activate threat level 3 against the JEWISH PEOPLE." He added, "The funny thing is that I can't actually be anti-Semitic because black people are also Jews. You have played with me and tried to block anyone who opposes your agenda."
Jennifer Aniston, Schwimmer's co-star from "Friends," stood by his side and joined in calling out Kanye West for his offensive statements.
Schwimmer took to Instagram on October 11 to address the issue, pointing out that anti-Semitism is a growing concern globally. He emphasized that Jews constitute only 2.4 percent of the U.S. population but are the victims of more than 60 percent of all religious hate crimes.
The 55-year-old actor did not mince words when condemning Kanye West for his anti-Semitic comments, labeling him as a "bigot." Schwimmer asserted that regardless of whether West is dealing with mental health issues, there is no denying his bigotry, especially considering the hate speech that incites violence against Jews. He further noted that anyone attempting to interpret West's words differently and defend him is complicit in promoting racism.
Schwimmer emphasized the importance of speaking out against influential figures like Kanye West when they engage in divisive, ignorant, and anti-Semitic rhetoric, stating, "If we don't criticize someone as influential as Kanye for his divisive, ignorant and anti-Semitic words, then we are complicit. Silence is complicity."
Several other notable individuals, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, John Legend, and Lizzo, have also condemned Kanye West's comments. AOC highlighted the harmful and dangerous nature of his words and emphasized the need to reject such rhetoric for the sake of Jewish communities and society as a whole. John Legend, a former friend of West, expressed his disappointment in how certain self-proclaimed "free and independent thinkers" often end up resorting to racism and anti-Semitism.
