Jewish Cemetery Defaced, Vandals Wrote "Kanye Was Rite"

BY Erika Marie 3.4K Views
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Over three dozens headstones were vandalized with swastikas and Nazi references in a Chicago suburb.

It has been some weeks since Kanye West erupted on social media. The Rap mogul is no stranger to controversies, but his latest remarks allegedly cost him billions in deals. West took to Instagram and Twitter and unleashed his fury on companies like The Gap and Adidas. Previously, he targeted senior staffers and called them out individually, resulting in multiple temporary bans from both platforms.

However, he didn't face the wrath of a global audience until he made controversial statements about the Jewish community. His anti-Semitic remarks were the catalyst for his alliances falling off one by one, but he gained wide support from white supremacist groups.

Read More: Akon Believes Kanye’s Antics Are all About Taking Trump’s Votes

Firstly, images of what looked to be neo-Nazis standing on a freeway overpass with an anti-Semitic sign surfaced. Particularly, they praised West's comments and stated he was "right." Now, things took yet another unfortunate turn after a Jewish cemetery in Chicago fell victim to vandals. According to a report by Vice, over three dozen headstones were desecrated with hateful messages in Waukegan. The city is a suburb of Chicago.

The defacers painted swastikas on some and referenced Nazism on others, certainly angering passersby. A photo of one headstone read, "Kanye was rite."

Read More: Jenifer Lewis Tells Kanye West, “Shut Your F*cking Mouth”

On Facebook, the mayor of Waukegan, Mayor Ann Taylor, released a statement. “Hate does not have a home in Waukegan," she wrote in part. "When such incidents occur, our marginalized neighbors are victimized, and our entire community suffers."

“I hope our officers promptly locate the perpetrators of this despicable act and hold them accountable, and I offer my full support to those directly impacted by this vandalism."

Read More: Kanye West Says He Can’t Be Controlled & Mother Was Sacrificed

West caused a pop culture divide as his anti-Semitism controversy moves forward, especially in light of his most recent interview. Despite being vilified, he suggested he can't be controlled and stated his late mother was sacrificed.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.