Amid Grammys outfit controversy, Trump supporter Kanye West reveals why he skipped inauguration

Controversial rapper Kanye West, formerly known as Ye, reckoned he skipped out on US President Trump's inauguration ceremony because he was told to issue another apology for his disturbing antisemitic remarks. The remarks come at a time when the singer an d his wife Bianca Censori sparked a massive controversy at the 67th Grammy Awards. Bianca Censori walked the red carpet at the high-profile event in a see-through outfit on Monday, courting controversy with her fashion choice that became a topic for memes on social media in no time.

During a Grammys 2025 after-party — which took place hours after he and wife Bianca Censori sent shockwaves with their shocking stunt on the red carpet — the “Vultures” rapper explained why he wasn’t at the ceremony for Trump, despite being a fan.

ALSO READ: 'Elon can't do...': Trump's warning to Tesla CEO in furious statement as cracks show in friendship

Why Kanye West gave Trump's oath-taking a miss?

In a clip obtained by TMZ of an unreleased conversation between West, 47, and Justin LaBoy on his “Respectfully Justin” podcast, West said “censorship stigma” caused him to miss the festivities.

“I was gonna go to the inauguration but they told me I had to write another apology, saying yeah, that I wasn’t … what’s the word?” West could be heard saying in the clip, which was shared to a big screen at the afterparty bash. “Antisemitic,” LaBoy chimed in after the 24-time Grammy winner pretended to forget the term.

As the rapper put it, Trump’s administration had asked him to come forward with another statement saying he wasn’t antisemitic, but Kanye mispronounced the word several times during the explanation for why he wouldn’t—joking about confusing it with “antisympathetic.”

Kanye’s comments about missing the Jan. 20 Inauguration come over a year after he apologized to the Jewish community for an antisemitic rant that took place during promotion for his Vultures album.

ALSO READ: Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori to be arrested for explicit outfit at Grammys? Here's what we know

Kanye West's antisemitic outbursts

The comments about President's inauguration come more than a year after he issued an apology to the Jewish community for a series of his antisemitic outbursts that took place during promotion of his “Vultures” album. The “All of the Lights” rapper shared the since-deleted message, which was written entirely in Hebrew, on Instagram Christmas Day 2023.

“I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions, it was not my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused,” read West’s message, translated from Hebrew.

“I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future.”

ALSO READ: 'Crass, classless, desperate': On Bianca Censori's revealing Grammys appearance, Megyn Kelly's savage reaction

The rant, however, was just the latest instance of Kanye—who shares kids North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5, with ex Kim Kardashian—making hateful statements toward the Jewish community. The year prior, the “Famous” rapper lost his partnership deals with both Balenciaga and Adidas for hateful comments he made on social media.

What Trump said about Kanye West

Still, President Trump last year called the rapper “complicated,” and went on to praise his character despite the rapper’s many controversial moments.

“He’s a really nice guy,” the 78-year-old said during an appearance on Adin Ross’ Kick stream in August, “but he can get some people into trouble. He’s got a good heart—he does, he does, but he’s complicated.”

ALSO READ: Kash Patel's senate confirmation hearing: Who was the glamorous mystery woman seated in the front row? All details
In 2017, Kanye West was not asked to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration, at a "traditionally American" event, reported BBC. Tom Barrack, the Presidential Inaugural Committee chair, had told CNN the ceremony is "not the venue" for West.

He said the rapper is "a great guy" but "we haven't asked him". Tom Barrack said: "He considers himself a friend of the president-elect, but it's not the venue.

"The venue we have for entertainment is filled out, it's perfect, it's going to be typically and traditionally American, and Kanye is a great guy but we just haven't asked him to perform. We move on with our agenda."

FAQs

Why did Kanye West skip Trump's inauguration ceremony?

Kanye West skipped the inauguration because he was told he had to issue another apology for his antisemitic remarks.

What sparked controversy for Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Grammys?

Bianca Censori sparked controversy by walking the red carpet in a see-through outfit.

How did President Trump describe Kanye West?

President Trump described Kanye West as 'complicated' but praised his character, calling him 'a really nice guy'.