Ye Urges Authorities to Release R. Kelly from Prison

Kanye West, now known as Ye, is no stranger to controversy — but his latest antics on social media have once again drawn sharp criticism. This time, Ye is under fire for publicly calling for the release of disgraced R&B artist and convicted child sex offender, R. Kelly.

The rapper took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a viral video clip of R. Kelly singing “Happy Birthday” to a fan over the phone from prison. Along with the clip, Ye kept his message blunt and simple: “FREE R KELLY.”

The post quickly circulated across social media platforms, reigniting public discourse around Ye’s history of controversial statements and behavior. Critics have condemned the post as deeply insensitive, especially considering the nature of Kelly’s conviction and the trauma experienced by his victims.

This isn’t the first time Kanye has publicly supported R. Kelly. The two previously collaborated on the 2012 track “To The World,” and Ye has continued to reference Kelly in both subtle and explicit ways throughout his career. Most recently, on his Billboard-topping single “Carnival” from the Vultures album, Ye once again stirred outrage by naming not just Kelly but other figures accused of sexual misconduct:

“Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine / Now I’m Ye-Kelly, bitch, now I’m Bill Cosby, bitch / Now, I’m Puff Daddy rich, that’s #MeToo me rich.”

The lyrics were instantly divisive, with many calling them not only provocative but also incredibly tone-deaf in light of the #MeToo movement and the serious allegations tied to the names mentioned. Rather than clarify or walk back the lines, Ye appeared to double down on his stance. He was later spotted playing R. Kelly’s music during a private DJ set, further suggesting his ongoing support for the embattled singer.

Ye has a track record of defending controversial figures, including Michael Jackson, who faced long-standing allegations of child sexual abuse before his death in 2009. Over the years, West has expressed admiration for Jackson’s artistry and legacy, often dismissing the accusations against him as part of a larger societal or media agenda.

Public reaction to Ye’s latest post has been largely negative, with fans, critics, and advocacy groups alike expressing outrage over what they see as a pattern of minimizing or dismissing the suffering of abuse victims. Many have pointed out the danger of using a massive platform to promote such narratives, especially when they involve high-profile individuals convicted or accused of serious crimes.

At a time when conversations around accountability, justice, and survivor support are more important than ever, Ye’s continued provocations feel not only out of touch but potentially harmful. Whether these moments are calculated for attention or stem from deeper personal beliefs, they raise important questions about the responsibility that comes with influence — and what happens when that responsibility is ignored.

Source: Hiphopdx
Image: Kanye West by David Shankbone is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Robert “R.” Kelly's Florida mug shot BY Polk County Sheriff's Office : Public domain