Seth Rogen and Jon Stewart are not letting Kanye West‘s comeback slide quietly.
As the “Praise God” hitmaker attempts to rebuild his career with a string of international performances, his return has been met with mixed reactions.
While thousands of fans have continued to show up for his concerts in the United States, several countries, and organizations have pushed back over his past antisemitic remarks.
Now, Rogen and Stewart are openly tearing into West’s attempted return to the spotlight.
During Wednesday night’s appearance at The Greek Theatre for the “Netflix Is A Joke” festival, Rogen and Stewart held nothing back when addressing West.
Rogen kicked off his monologue by joking about the festival’s lineup, quipping that even West had managed to secure a spot.
The comedian then criticized the rapper’s ability to continue drawing massive crowds despite the backlash over his past comments.
“He had a song called ‘Heil Hitler,’ and he’s back,” Rogen said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “What’s funny is I’ve said critical things about Jewish people; I think I got in more trouble than Kanye West did.”
Rogen also joked that Adolf Hitler himself would probably be “torn” over Ye. Stewart later continued the criticism during his own set, directly condemning West.
“But seriously, f*** that guy,” Stewart declared. “He was like, ‘Hitler was misunderstood, we’ve got to forgive Hitler.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t think I need to listen to anybody who thinks Hitler needs to be forgiven, but is still mad at Pete Davidson.’”
Kanye West’s Italy Show Is Facing Calls For Cancellation
While Rogen and Stewart continue criticizing the rapper, West is also facing mounting resistance overseas.
The artist is scheduled to headline the Hellwat Festival at RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on July 18, but calls to cancel the event are intensifying.
According to The Blast, local Jewish organizations, anti-fascist groups, trade unions, and politicians have all reportedly opposed the performance.
Critics argue that hosting West in the city would clash with Reggio Emilia’s historic legacy of resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. The city received Italy’s Gold Medal for Military Valor in 1950, and many residents believe allowing Ye to perform would disrespect that history.
The Rapper Attempted To Amend His Ways Amid Setbacks
Other of West’s planned shows have already encountered other setbacks tied to his controversial history.
Ahead of a scheduled concert in Marseille, France, the French government, much like the UK previously, was unwilling to welcome the “Runaway” singer.
Despite this, the 48-year-old has made attempts at redemption and to get back in the good graces of the Jewish community.
The Blast reported that he was seen a few weeks ago leaving the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Beverly Hills. The center is a Jewish human rights organization. A video showed him walking out quietly, avoiding conversation with paparazzi, and getting straight into his car.
Kanye West’s Apology And Reason For Controversial Remarks
As part of his attempt to move forward, West has also publicly apologized for his past actions and explained his behavior.
According to The Blast, he bought a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal where he admitted his past actions were tied to struggles with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” he wrote. “I love Jewish people.”
He explained that his difficulties go back years, claiming doctors failed to properly diagnose a frontal-lobe injury he suffered in a 2002 car crash while he was growing up. He said the unresolved issues contributed to destructive behavior and acknowledged that his comments caused harm.
Medical Experts Weighed In On West’s Explanation
Following West’s statement, medical professionals weighed in on whether bipolar disorder could contribute to extreme or erratic behavior.
As The Blast reported, Professor David Curtis from UCL Genetics Institute noted that people with severe bipolar disorder can sometimes behave in ways that are completely out of character.
He explained that during manic episodes, individuals may become impulsive, reckless, or even psychotic, and their actions can be unpredictable.
Curtis added that what the Grammy Winner described matches the symptoms of bipolar disorder and doesn’t necessarily point to antisemitic beliefs or extremist ideology.
