Jesus hawks?
Online opportunists are cashing in on controversy by hawking fake versions of Kanye West’s now-notorious “White Lives Matter” shirts. The counterfeit couture falsely labeled as designed by Kanye is spreading across eBay like wildfire despite the fact that Ye hasn’t put his panned collection on sale yet.
Indeed, typing in “Kanye Style All Lives Matter” in the online bazaar will bring up multiple knockoffs of the “White Lives Matter” shirt, which notably sparked outrage at Paris Fashion Week in France earlier this week. The 45-year-old rapper, along with several models, had donned them while staging a surprise Yeezy Fashion Show that showcased his season 9 clothing line.
Just like the original tees, the long-sleeved bootlegs are emblazoned with the pot-stirring “WLM” slogan, which has been denounced by the Anti-Defamation League since white supremacists had created to mock the “Black Lives Matter” organization.
The counterfeit couture falsely labeled as designed by Kanye is spreading across eBay like wildfire despite the fact that Ye hasn’t put his panned collection on sale yet.eBay
Kanye West and Candace Owens sport “White Lives Matter” shirts at Paris Fashion Week.Twitter/Candace OwensHowever, the ripoffs possess a few notable differences from West’s initial design, including the fact that they don’t bear an image of Pope John Paul II on the front. They also only cost between $20-$30 per shirt — a bargain considering that Yeezy’s merch generally goes for hundreds or more, TMZ reported.
Interestingly, bonafide versions of the “White Lives Matter” tees are currently unavailable and West hasn’t divulged whether he’ll be hawking the authentic shirts in the future.
The bootleg deluge comes as the Grammy winner faces backlash over the inflammatory fashion statement from multiple notable people of color. Critics included Temple University Professor Marc Lamont Hill, Vogue Fashion Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Jaden Smith, son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, who allegedly left the fashion show in protest.
The ripoffs possess a few notable differences from West’s initial design, including the fact that they don’t bear an image of Pope John Paul II on the front. eBay“I Had To Dip Lol,” tweeted the “Karate Kid” star following the alleged walkout. He continued his criticism in a series of follow-up tweets: “True Leaders Lead. I Don’t Care Who’s It Is If I Don’t Feel The Message I’m Out. Black Lives Matter. We Demand A More Progressive Future
West has since defended the designs in a Wednesday Instagram post. “Here’s my latest response when people ask me why I made a tee that says white lives matter… THEY DO,” the embattled rapper captioned a photo of a black, long-sleeved version of the garment spread out on the floor.
West has been ripped by multiple celebs over his controversial fashion statement.AFP via Getty Images Prior to that, the “Jesus Walks” singer had also taken potshots at the “Black Lives Matter” organization.
“Everyone knows that Black Lives Matter was a scam,” West declared in a Tuesday Instagram story, seemingly referencing the group’s multiple multimillion-dollar scandals. “Now it’s over You’re welcome.”
