Kanye West, now known as Ye, is once again facing backlash after reportedly deceiving an advertising agency to air a Super Bowl commercial that ultimately promoted antisemitic merchandise.
The 15-second regional ad, which aired in select markets, initially appeared to be a harmless clip of Ye sitting in a dentist’s chair, directing viewers to his Yeezy.com website. However, shortly after the ad aired, the website was altered to display a swastika-emblazoned T-shirt, sparking immediate outrage.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the ad was vetted by the agency USIM, which had been hired by executives associated with Yeezy LLC only weeks before the Super Bowl. At the time of submission, the website featured standard athletic apparel, and both Fox and Nexstar executives, who aired the ad in cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, found no offensive content upon review. However, after the ad ran, the website was scrubbed and replaced with the controversial imagery, catching broadcasters and the agency off guard.
Kanye West remains in the spotlight amid ongoing controversy and backlashGetty Images
Ye’s actions followed a string of inflammatory antisemitic posts on social media, where he wrote statements such as “whip your Jews” and expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler. The posts led to his suspension from X and condemnation from organisations like the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee. Prominent figures, including actor David Schwimmer, also called for Ye’s permanent ban from social media.
The backlash extended beyond social media. Shopify, the platform hosting Yeezy.com, faced criticism for allowing the site to remain active after the Super Bowl ad aired but ultimately shut it down on Tuesday, citing violations of its policies and a failure to engage in “authentic commerce practises.” Meanwhile, Ye’s talent agency, 33 & West, dropped him, with agent Daniel McCartney publicly stating, “I am no longer representing Ye due to his recent harmful and hateful remarks.”
USIM, which had assured television stations that the advertisement and website had been reviewed, immediately cut ties with Yeezy LLC once the controversy emerged. The agency also instructed stations to pull the ad from further broadcasts. Unlike nationally aired Super Bowl commercials, which require approval from Fox and the NFL, regional ads follow a different vetting process, often handled by individual local stations. This loophole allowed Ye’s ad to air without broader oversight.
Both Fox Sports and the NFL have distanced themselves from the controversy. Fox executives confirmed that they had no prior knowledge of the ad, while the NFL released a statement strongly condemning antisemitism and clarifying that it not been involved in the commercial’s approval or broadcast.
This latest scandal adds to Ye’s growing list of controversies, which have already cost him partnerships with major brands like Adidas and Gap. Despite repeated backlash, his ability to manipulate advertising and social media platforms raises serious concerns about the limits of content moderation and how bad actors can exploit media loopholes to spread harmful messages.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.