John Legend recently opened up about his once-close friendship with Kanye West, revealing the strain that has developed between them over the years.
Speaking on David Axelrod’s The Axe Files podcast, Legend shed light on how their differing political views and Kanye’s controversial actions, including his 2020 presidential run, contributed to the growing distance between the two.
It is a candid acknowledgment of how even long-standing friendships can be tested by ideological differences and public pressures.
The singer, who has achieved EGOT status, admitted that their friendship changed significantly after Kanye announced his candidacy for president in 2020, a decision that baffled many, including Legend.
“I honestly think because we publicly disagreed on his running for office, his supporting Trump, I think it became too much for us to sustain our friendship,” Legend shared. He elaborated that Kanye took particular issue with Legend’s lack of support for his presidential bid, which ultimately strained their bond.
“He was upset that I didn’t support his run for presidency of the United States of America,” Legend explained, adding that Kanye’s frustration led to a cooling of their relationship. “We really haven’t been close since then.”
Kanye’s presidential run was announced in July 2020, just four months before Election Day. During this time, he positioned himself as an independent candidate, a move that many saw as symbolic rather than practical.
Legend, however, chose to support Joe Biden in the race, aligning himself with the Democratic Party and rejecting Kanye’s bid.
Their political differences were not new, as Kanye’s previous support for Donald Trump, including his infamous 2018 visit to the White House wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, had already sparked controversy.
For Legend, these actions were deeply at odds with his own beliefs, making it difficult to reconcile their friendship with Kanye’s political convictions.
Legend acknowledged that he was far from alone in his disapproval of Kanye’s political ventures. Many of Kanye’s fans, friends, and colleagues were similarly critical of his actions.
However, Kanye, known for his unwavering confidence and firm stance on his beliefs, reportedly found Legend’s opposition particularly hurtful.
“For understandable reasons, he was not happy about that,” Legend said, adding that their disagreement marked a turning point in their relationship.
The once-close friends, who had worked together on multiple projects and supported each other’s careers, found themselves drifting apart, unable to bridge the growing divide.
Reflecting on Kanye’s personality, Legend offered a nuanced perspective, describing him as someone who is both deeply authentic and complex.
“I think people get a lot about him,” Legend remarked, emphasizing Kanye’s openness about his struggles with mental health and his unfiltered approach to life.
“He’s been very open with who he is and his struggles. What you see with him is pretty much what you get.”
Legend suggested that Kanye is not a different person in private than he is in public, a rarity in the world of celebrity. “He’s very real, honestly,” Legend said, noting that Kanye’s transparency, while admirable, often leads to polarizing reactions.
Legend’s comments highlight the challenges of maintaining friendships in the public eye, especially when personal and professional lives become intertwined with political and social movements.
Their story is a testament to how differences in core values and beliefs can create insurmountable barriers, even between friends who once shared a deep connection. Legend and Kanye had collaborated on numerous occasions, with Kanye playing a pivotal role in launching Legend’s career.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect and admiration, making their current estrangement all the more poignant.
While the friendship may have faded, Legend’s reflections on Kanye are not without compassion.
He acknowledged the complexities of Kanye’s personality and the struggles he has faced, particularly with his mental health.
Kanye has been open about his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a condition that he has said influences both his creativity and his behavior.
Legend’s willingness to speak candidly yet empathetically about Kanye underscores his understanding of the pressures and challenges that come with fame and public scrutiny.
Amid the turbulence in his friendship with Kanye, Legend has found joy and stability in his personal life.
His wife, Chrissy Teigen, recently announced that the couple is expecting another child, a piece of happy news that brought smiles to their fans.
Teigen shared the announcement on Instagram in early August, expressing hope and gratitude after the couple’s previous loss.
The pregnancy is a symbol of resilience and renewal for the family, reminding fans of the importance of love and support in the face of adversity.
Legend and Teigen’s relationship has long been celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and authentic partnerships.
Together, they have weathered challenges and triumphs, using their platform to advocate for social justice, mental health awareness, and reproductive rights.
Their openness about their experiences, from parenting to grief, has endeared them to fans worldwide and cemented their status as a power couple in both the entertainment industry and philanthropy.
As Legend navigates his evolving relationships and continues to speak out on important issues, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities of friendship, especially in the context of fame and differing worldviews.
While his bond with Kanye may never return to what it once was, Legend’s reflections reveal a deep understanding of the nuances that define human connections.
It is a poignant illustration of how relationships can shift over time, shaped by both personal choices and the larger forces at play in society.
Ultimately, Legend’s decision to address his friendship with Kanye publicly is a testament to his commitment to honesty and transparency.
By sharing his perspective, he invites others to reflect on the nature of their own relationships and the ways in which differences can both challenge and strengthen bonds.
In a world that often seeks to simplify and polarize, Legend’s thoughtful approach offers a refreshing reminder of the importance of empathy, dialogue, and understanding.
