“The Shop: Uninterrupted” reportedly has removed a pre-recorded episode featuring Kanye West. The talk show, executive produced and hosted by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, airs on HBO and YouTube.
In a statement from The Hollywood Reporter, production revealed the team will not air a recent taping with the Grammy-winning superstar, who spewed “hate speech” among other “dangerous” statements.
“Yesterday we taped an episode of ‘The Shop’ with Kanye West. Kanye was booked weeks ago and, after talking to Kanye directly the day before we taped, I believed he was capable of a respectful discussion and he was ready to address all his recent comments,” said Carter. “Unfortunately, he used ‘The Shop’ to reiterate more hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes.”
He continued, “We have made the decision not to air this episode or any of Kanye’s remarks. While ‘The Shop’ embraces thoughtful discourse and differing opinions, we have zero tolerance for hate speech of any kind and will never allow our channels to be used to promote hate. I take full responsibility for believing Kanye wanted a different conversation and apologize to our guests and crew. Hate speech should never have an audience.”
Presumably, Carter was present for ‘The Shop’s episode with West, and two of his music and fashion peers. The second guest was rapper Jeezy, who earned his Grammy nomination for their 2008 collaboration “Put On.”
The third guest was shoe designer Salehe Bembury, who previously designed for the Yeezy brand and served as the former vice president at Versace. According to the outlet, James was not present for the episode’s taping.
West’s controversial antics have sullied his name and influence, while others have questioned his beliefs. As previously reported, his Twitter page was restricted after he made comments about Jews and other anti-Semitic statements.
He wrote, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
Last week, the music mogul was criticized for wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt during the YZY Szn 9 fashion show in Paris.
