The director of the 2012 21 Jump Street movie remake was at a loss for words after rapper, designer and record producer Ye claimed to have been cured of his antisemitism in a bizzare social media post.
The beleaguered music artist made repeated antisemitic remarks, shared antisemitic conspiracy theories and threatened violence against Jewish people.
But after watching the comedy remake of the 80s cop drama television series 21 Jump Street–starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum–the rapper seemed to have changed his tune.
Early on Saturday, he shared a screenshot of the movie poster on Instagram and declared:
"Watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump street made me like Jewish people again."
"No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people."
"No Christian can be labeled antisemite knowing Jesus is Jew."
The rapper concluded his post with:
"Thank you Jonah Hill I love you."
The Internet was baffled over how one movie was able to inspire a 180 for Ye's antipathy toward Jewish people.
In response, Christopher Miller–who co-produced and co-directed the movie alongside partner Phil Lord–was dumbfounded and had only this to say:
“Um… thanks for watching?"
People remained skeptical about Ye's change of heart.
There was plenty of sarcasm.
Ye's statement followed the Anti-Defamation League's release last week of an audit detailing reported antisemitic incidents across the U.S. from 2022.
The group found that 59 antisemitic incidents from October 11 through the end of 2022 were the direct result of his spouting "longstanding antisemitic tropes" and conspiratorial statements against Jewish people in addition to his praise of Adolf Hitler and disputing facts about the Holocaust.
According to the ADL, Ye's former professional name, Kanye West, was invoked in 44 cases of harassment, 13 cases of vandalism, and two cases of assault.
At least ten instances of antisemitism occurred at K-9 schools in which some Jewish students were bullied and harassed.
The words “Kanye West is right” and “Kill All Jews” were found written alongside three swastikas on a school bathroom wall in Newport Beach, California in October.
In Stockton California, the words “Ye West was right about the devil Jews!” were written in chalk outside a Jewish cemetery.
Time will tell if Ye sticks to his new conviction.
