Ahead of the release of his eighth studio album, "Legend," John Legend had an online interview with The New Yorker, where he revealed the reason behind his and rapper Kanye West's fallout.
The "All Of Me" singer cleared up that the falling out was not because West supported Donald Trump, adding that it was a "mischaracterization" of what he said.
"What I was saying was that he was very upset with me that I didn't support him running for President, and that was the real impetus for us having a strain in our friendship," he stated.
He added that during the presidential campaign, he was supporting President Joe Biden.
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To Be Or Not To Be Political?
When asked about whether political stances can make or break a relationship, Legend simply replied, "I don't feel like politics should be everything in your relationships, and your relationships with people shouldn't only be determined by who they voted for."
He did, however, add that "certain things you believe in are indicators" of one's character, and inevitably affect the relationship.
In July of 2020, the "Heartless" rapper announced that he would be running for president in the 2020 United States presidential election.
The rapper reportedly shared that his platform was inspired by Wakanda, the fictional country where the 2018 movie "Black Panther" is set in.
While Legend noted that politics is the "sole determinant" in keeping his friendships or not, he added, "values matter and character matters and moral compass matters."
Legend's Take
The United States held its breath as the 2020 presidential elections took place, as former president Donald Trump was running for reelection and was faced against current president Biden.
Numerous celebrities and artists stepped up and announced their votes to the public. Legend was no different.
Legend shared his frustrations on "how much it was an operation run by the Trump campaign," adding that Trump's personnel was aiding West in his campaign by fundraising, getting petitions signed, and "getting him on the ballot."
"I saw their work on his behalf as a clear scam and an operation to try to siphon Black votes away from Biden, so there was no way I was going to support it."
Legend also revealed that prior to the rift between them, he had tried to reach out to the 45-year-old rapper to see things differently, however West had none of it and "went the way he went with it," Legend recalled.
Although Legend admits that he does not exactly know how to persuade someone with different beliefs and that announcing one's political stance may cause some fans, he feels liberated by being able to speak his mind.
"I say the things that I'm passionate about and I believe in, and it feels liberating. This is who I want to be in the world."
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