Updated Dec 2, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Elon Musk says Ye suspended from Twitter following swastika post

Kanye West walking in Los Angeles last month.

Kanye West in Los Angeles last month. Photo: MEGA/GC Images via Getty Images

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has been suspended from Twitter after posting an image of a swastika depicted inside a Star of David on Thursday night, Elon Musk announced.

Details: The musician's account stated that it's "suspended" for violating the social media site's rules and all his previous activity was hidden as of early Friday.

Elon Musk confirms in a tweet that Twitter has suspended Kanye West's account.
Elon Musk confirms Ye's Twitter account suspension. Photo: Elon Musk/Twitter

The big picture: Ye posted the image hours after unleashing a barrage of antisemitic remarks during an interview with a conspiracy theorist.

Of note: Civil rights groups and other advocates have raised concern over the billionaire's pledge for a "general amnesty" for suspended Twitter accounts "provided that they have not broken the law" or engaged in "egregious spam."

What he's saying: Musk responded to an image Ye posted just before his suspension of the Twitter owner topless on a yacht with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, saying "This is fine." Of the swastika post, Musk tweeted: "This is not."

  • "Just clarifying that his account is being suspended for incitement to violence, not an unflattering pic of me being hosed by Ari," Musk added in another tweet. "Frankly, I found those pics to be helpful motivation to lose weight!"

What we're watching: It was not immediately clear how long Ye would be suspended from Twitter, but Musk has said permanent bans should be only rarely issued.

Go deeper: Musk's Twitter amnesty raises new fears over online hate

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Go deeper