Teyana Taylor Explains Why She Won’t ‘Abandon’ Ye Despite Antisemitic Controversies

Teyana Taylor has spoken candidly about her continued relationship with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, explaining why she refuses to cut ties with the embattled rapper despite his history of antisemitic remarks.

In a new Vanity Fair cover story published on January 13, the singer, actress, and recent Golden Globe winner addressed questions about her loyalty to Kanye West more than a decade after starring in his iconic 2016 “Fade” music video. While Taylor made it clear she does not support Ye’s hateful rhetoric, she emphasized that disagreement does not automatically mean abandonment.

“I don’t have to agree with everything that he do or say,” Teyana Taylor said. “But I’m not going to, like, abandon him and be like, ‘Yeah, eff that motherf–ker.’”

“That’s Still Family to Me”

Teyana Taylor likened her relationship with Kanye West to that of family members who may clash over beliefs or actions but remain connected regardless. “My brothers do s–t that I don’t agree with,” she explained. “I don’t get into none of that.”

The comments arrive amid continued scrutiny of Kanye West, whose legacy was significantly damaged in October 2022 after a series of antisemitic statements on social media and public appearances. His remarks led major companies, including Adidas, Universal Music Group, and Balenciaga, to sever ties with him.

Despite widespread backlash, Teyana Taylor has remained largely quiet on the issue until now, choosing to address her stance with nuance rather than condemnation or endorsement.

Ye’s Controversial Past and Recent Apology

Kanye West’s antisemitic rhetoric escalated over several years, including posts praising Adolf Hitler and Nazis. However, in May 2025, the rapper claimed he was “done with antisemitism,” and later publicly apologized to a Jewish rabbi in November.

While the sincerity of those apologies has been debated, Teyana Taylor’s comments suggest she separates personal loyalty from public accountability, choosing not to excuse Ye’s behavior while also refusing to sever their bond.

A Breakout Moment for Teyana Taylor

Taylor’s remarks come during a career high point. In 2025, she released her critically praised album Escape Room, earning her first-ever Grammy nomination. She also delivered an acclaimed performance in One Battle After Another, which won her a Golden Globe earlier this month.

During her emotional acceptance speech on January 11, Taylor addressed representation and resilience, saying: “To my Brown sisters and little Brown girls watching tonight: Our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine.”

Teyana Taylor’s comments reflect the complicated reality of personal relationships in the entertainment industry, where public controversy often collides with long-standing personal bonds. While many artists have chosen to distance themselves from Kanye West entirely, Taylor’s stance underscores that accountability and loyalty need not be mutually exclusive.

As Kanye West reportedly prepares to release new music later this year, Teyana Taylor remains focused on her own flourishing career—while making it clear that love, for her, does not require agreement.