“God will solve it all for me,” raps Kanye West on “God Breathed,” the third track on his highly controversial album “Donda.” Released on August 29, 2021 by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, West emphasizes his newfound piety and belief in forgiveness for all—but at what cost to survivors? “Jail Part 2,” which West claimed Universal tried to block from the album, incorporates Brian Warner, professionally known as Marilyn Manson, and Dababy. Mailryn Manson was accused of sexual, physical, and emotional violence by at least five women, including actor Evan Rachel Wood, who was the first person to share her story. Dababy made homophobic and medically inaccurate comments regarding the AIDS virus and the LGBQTIA+ community. It is unclear if West purposely courted controversy as a publicity stunt or made an anti-cancel culture statement that these men deserve to be saved. Regardless, West’s support of abusers and blatant bigotry has gone unchecked for too long—to the severe detriment of survivors of sexual violence.
A lack of accountability is imminent throughout the album, such as when the Weekend croons “Father, hold me close, don’t let me down. I know you won’t,” on the track “Hurricane.” West used his religion, mental health, and supposed genius to excuse his antics in the past. But the blatant misogyny and emotionally toxic behavior that runs through his music and personal life is too evident to ignore. Not only does West support abusers by including Manson on the album, as well as Chris Brown before his removal on the album, but he exhibits abusive behavior himself.
While much attention surrounded West’s pro-Trump views and controversial opinions on slavery, the media often ignores his treatment of women. Amber Rose accused West of bullying her for ten years after they broke up, calling her a “prostitute” at one of his rallies and claiming he had to take 30 showers after sleeping with her in order to sleep with Kim Kardashian. And we can’t forget how West cleaned out Kardashian’s closet after they started dating, choosing all of her outfits thereafter. Or the track “Famous,” with the lyrics “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/Why? I made that bitch famous,” and the resulting video which included naked puppets of Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Amber Rose, and other celebrities. West has a need to control the media and the people around him, to detrimental effect. So no wonder he thinks Manson can be saved—West believes he can be saved too. After Kanye brought Manson onstage for his Donda listening party at Soldier Field, Evan Rachel Wood performed a cover of The New Radicals’ “You Get What You Give,” flipping off Manson during a lyric that mentions him. She posted the video on Instagram and captioned it “for my fellow survivors who got slapped in the face this week. I love you. Don’t give up.” Against my better judgement I listened to “Jail Part 2,” and it really did feel like I’d been slapped in the face. “Guess who’s going to jail tonight?” growls Manson over and over the chorus, ending the section with “God gonna’ post my bail tonight.” Again, West and his disciples avoid judgement for their violence in the name of religion. But Manson, a voice of anarchy and anti-religion, has no right to use godliness as an excuse. Despite his delusions, West is not God and he cannot absolve himself, Manson, or anyone of their sins. They have to live with them.
Ilana Slavit
Hi, I’m Ilana, a 2020 Film and Media Studies graduate of the University of Oregon. I’ve always been passionate about representation of sex and gender in the media through a social justice focused lens. As a survivor, I am grateful to be a member of the Education Team in order to spread awareness of consent and pleasure. I am in the process of becoming an ASSECT certified Sex Educator through the Institute of Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. In my free time, I like to write, make short films, go to (now virtual)
