Kanye West dismisses #MeToo as ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four mind control’

No one asked for Kanye West’s opinion on #MeToo — and, given his repeated appearances with Marilyn Manson in recent months, we probably didn’t need to — but he’s shared his thoughts on the movement anyway, in a new interview for the podcast Drink Champs.

The broad-ranging conversation sees the artist land on a variety of controversial topics, such as his calls for the cancellation of Black History Month, his 2020 presidential campaign, his support for Donald Trump, and beef with fellow artists (though he does have kind words for Drake). 

However, he brings up the “mob mentality” of #MeToo — the social movement founded with the aim of calling out instances of sexual abuse and harassment — in relation to his final Donda listening party. Taking place in August this year, the event at Chicago’s Soldier Field stadium saw him bring out controversial guests including DaBaby (fresh from going on a homophobic rant during a festival appearance the month before) and alleged abuser Marilyn Manson.

“All the #MeToo,” Ye says, “like, when I sit next to Marilyn Manson and DaBaby right after both of them got cancelled, for five songs, you know, it’s like they can’t cancel us all. They’ll hit you with the accusations of somebody who you was with 10 years ago.” 

“It’s power and politics,” he goes on, comparing ‘cancel culture’ to a George Orwell dystopia. “You know, power-hungry maniacs and, just, control. This is Nineteen Eighty-Four mind control we’re in. And mob mentality.”

Earlier this year, months prior to Kanye’s third listening event in Chicago, Marilyn Manson was accused of abuse by five women, including his former partner Evan Rachel Wood. The allegations included violence and harassment, sexual and verbal abuse, and Manson forcing his partners to take drugs. Other women have since made accusations against the musician, though he denies any wrongdoing.

Wood seemingly addressed Manson’s appearance at the August event on Instagram, posting a cover of New Radicals’ 1998 track “You Get What You Give” with the caption: “For my fellow survivors who got slapped in the face this week. I love you. Don't give up.”

Last week, Kanye West linked up with Manson yet again at a Sunday Service show. The Halloween edition of West’s concert series saw him don an all-white outfit with the musician, alongside Justin Bieber and the Sunday Service Choir.

Watch Kanye West’s full appearance on the Drink Champs podcast below.