Featured Image Credit: Elon Musk/Twitter/Kanye West/Twitter
Topics: Elon Musk, Kanye West, Twitter
Daisy Phillipson
Topics: Elon Musk, Kanye West, Twitter
Elon Musk has revealed that he had nothing to do with Kanye West's Twitter account being reactivated.
The rapper had been banned from the social media platform earlier this month after posting antisemitic statements, including a now-deleted tweet sent on October 8 stating he would go 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE'.
But after the news broke yesterday (28 October) that Musk had officially acquired Twitter in a takeover costing approximately $44 billion (£38 billion), some eagle-eyed social media users noticed Ye's account was up and running.
Many assumed the move was the first of many banned accounts Musk is predicted to restore as a vocal supporter of 'free speech'.
"Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated," the billionaire said in June.
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What's more, Ye recently defended Musk, calling US President Joe Biden a ‘f**king r******d’ for turning down a meeting with the Tesla CEO.
Following a severe backlash in recent days, a Meta-enforced Instagram ban was lifted for West on Thursday. Shortly after, some noticed that his Twitter account appeared to be back too.
Many put two and two together and assumed it was thanks to Musk's takeover, but this isn't actually the case.
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As revealed by The New York Times, Twitter only restricted his account rather than suspending it after the antisemitic tweet while also removing the offending post.
Unlike fully banned accounts, restricted ones look as they always do, but the user can't post or interact on the platform.
What's more, Musk has since weighed in on the issue to claim he had nothing to with it.
In a tweet shared yesterday, the SpaceX founder wrote: "Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with widely diverse viewpoints.
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"No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes."
One commenter responded to the post, asking: "So why did you restore already Kanye West's account? Twitter should not be a platform to spew racism and antisemitism."
The billionaire replied: "Ye’s account was restored by Twitter before the acquisition. They did not consult with or inform me."
UNILAD has contacted Twitter for comment.
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On Tuesday, Adidas dropped its Yeezy contract with Ye, saying it 'does not tolerate' antisemitism.
He was similarly dropped by talent agency CAA, and a report from Variety revealed that a completed documentary made about West will also be scrapped because of the comments.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org