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LeBron James’ show won’t air Kanye West interview over ‘hate speech’

SpringHill Company — the production company founded by LeBron James and his business partner Maverick Carter — will not air its latest installment of Uninterrupted’s “The Shop” after they said Kanye West doubled down on his recent antisemitic remarks during the taping.

Carter, in a statement to Andscape, said Tuesday that the episode, which James was not present for, will not air due to “hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes” the rapper said during his appearance.

“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,” Carter said in the statement. “Unfortunately, he used ‘The Shop’ to reiterate more hate speech and extremely dangerous stereotypes.

Founder and CEO of SpringHill Company, Maverick Carter attends The Future of Everything presented by the Wall Street Journal at Spring Studios on May 18, 2022 in New York City.
Founder and CEO of SpringHill Company, Maverick Carter attends The Future of Everything at Spring Studios on May 18, 2022 in New York City. Getty Images

“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.”

Kanye West and LeBron James at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Kanye West and LeBron James at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Larry Busacca

West allegedly doubled down on his recent antisemitic remarks during the episode, which also included shoe designer Salehe Bembury and Jeezy, whom West collaborated with on 2008’s Grammy-nominated record “Put On.”

James has yet to address the situation publicly.

In a since-removed tweet, West said he was “going death con 3 [sic] On JEWISH PEOPLE.”

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Kanye West seen attending the Burberry Spring / Summer 2023 after-show party at The Restaurant at The Twenty Two on Sept. 26, 2022 in London, England. GC Images
LeBron James and Maverick Carter attend the Uninterrupted Canada Launch held at Louis Louis at The St. Regis Toronto on Aug. 2, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. Getty Images
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Lakers star LeBron James during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 5, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
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During his recent runway show at Paris Fashion Week, West made headlines for debuting shirts with the phrase, “White Lives Matter.”

On Friday, West’s Instagram account was restricted for violating the company’s policies. The rapper also faced disciplinary action from Twitter after he shared antisemitic tweets.