Lyor Cohen Addresses Kanye West in Open Letter Over Antisemitic Remarks, Ye Responds

Lyor Cohen, the influential music executive with a storied career at Def Jam Recordings, has penned an open letter addressing Kanye West’s recent controversial behavior. Cohen, who helped shape hip-hop alongside artists like Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and DMX, expressed his deep disappointment in West’s use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric. In his letter, Cohen emphasized the importance of responsibility, given West’s massive influence, and called on the rapper to reflect on the pain his words cause.

Cohen highlighted the shared history of collaboration between Jewish and Black communities, particularly in the music industry, urging West to use his platform for healing rather than division.

Read Cohen’s letter below:

Dear Kanye,

I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric. Your words and actions are not only offensive but triggering to all decent people who recognize the horrors of the Holocaust and the suffering of millions.

With antisemitism on the rise, your voice and influence carry a significant responsibility. I urge you to be more sensitive to the pain your words inflict on Jewish communities and all those who stand against hate.

Your talent and reach could be used to heal and inspire, to bridge divides and promote understanding. Instead, you’ve chosen a path that sows discord and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

The Jewish and Black experiences share a rich history of collaboration and mutual support, particularly in the music industry. From the early days of jazz and blues to the groundbreaking work of Motown and beyond, our communities have enriched each other through music and culture.

I urge you to reflect on this shared legacy and use your platform to build upon the love and understanding that have always existed between our communities.

Sincerely,
Lyor

In response, West lashed out at Cohen in a now-deleted Instagram post, criticizing the music industry’s role in promoting violence and calling Cohen out for hypocrisy. Despite Cohen’s plea for understanding and reflection, the exchange further highlights the ongoing tensions between the two figures.

LEE OR let me call you by your incorrect name also You and your whole industry have promoted and got paid off songs where black people glorify killing each other But my t shirt is the worst thing ever All of yall are like girls who don’t take accountability It’s a double standard Then yall threaten and extort people around me People are so used to your mob And to think When Tory Burch came to the door with a towel on I didn’t smash cause I looked at you as a friend You start by apologizing and taking accountability for the massive promotion of black death that you’ve got paid off of for years Also you too broke to speak to me in the first place. And you know what irv said to you before he passed and since he not here. I’ll say it Suuuuck Myyyy Dillick