Kanye West’s Deal To Buy Social Network Parler Dissolves

The rapper Kanye West is no longer buying Parler, according to the social networking app. 

On Thursday, Parler announced the deal had been dissolved at a time when West faces controversy for making numerous antisemitic remarks. 

“In response to numerous media inquiries, Parlement Technologies would like to confirm that the company has mutually agreed with Ye to terminate the intent of sale of Parler. This decision was made in the interest of both parties in mid-November,” Parler announced(Opens in a new window) over Twitter. 

Tweet(Opens in a new window)

Parler, which has been popular with right-wing users and free speech advocates, didn’t explain why the acquisition was terminated. But since the deal was first announced on Oct. 17th, West’s reputation has plummeted. On Thursday, West appeared on the InfoWars show from notorious conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, where he repeatedly(Opens in a new window) praised Nazis and Hitler. 

“I love Jewish people. But I also love Nazis,” West said at one point. 

For now, Parler has only said it “will continue to pursue future opportunities for growth and the evolution of the platform for our vibrant community.”

West originally decided to acquire Parler after both his accounts on Instagram and Twitter were temporarily restricted for making antisemitic remarks. “In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves,” West said at the time.

However, the rapper is likely now facing financial troubles after several major sponsors, including Adidas, have cut ties with him. In a podcast earlier this week, West also reportedly(Opens in a new window) said he owes the IRS over $50 million in taxes, which has resulted in four of his bank accounts being frozen.    

So far, West hasn’t commented on the Parler deal dissolving. In a tweet(Opens in a new window) on Thursday afternoon, he merely said: “I love the first amendment! Long live Ye! I pray to Jesus that Elon is for real…,” a reference to Elon Musk, who bought Twitter to prioritize free speech.