Instagram, Twitter Restrict Kanye West's Accounts Over Anti-Semitic Posts
Instagram and Twitter have restricted Kanye West's access to his accounts after the rapper shared anti-Semitic content.
Meta-owned Instagram recently restricted West following repeated policy violations—including accusations by West that Sean "Diddy" Combs is being controlled by "the Jewish people," according to TechCrunch(Opens in a new window).
West then took to his Twitter account with a tweet directed at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "Look at this Mark," he wrote(Opens in a new window), adding "How you gone kick me off instagram" above a blurry photo of himself and Zuckerberg apparently singing karaoke. The message was given a warm welcome by potential future Twitter owner Elon Musk.
West came back 12 hours later to post: "I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE." The post has since been removed for violating Twitter rules.
Those rules(Opens in a new window) say Twitter users "may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people. We also prohibit the glorification of violence."
The Defense Ready Condition (DEFCON) system(Opens in a new window), to which West inaccurately refers, indicates situations of varying military severity, including nuclear, biological, or chemical threats; levels range from DEFCON 5 (normal) to DEFCON 1 (maximum readiness). DEFCON 3 suggests the Air Force has 15 minutes to mobilize, and is described as "force readiness increased above normal levels."
A Twitter spokesperson confirmed to PCMag that West's account has been restricted, but offered no timeline on when or if it might be reinstated. Instagram did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every
Read more on pcmag.com
