Kanye West has publicly claimed to have engaged in an incestuous relationship with a male cousin. In a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) on April 21, 2025. West, now known as Ye, made the disturbing admission. He stated that the relationship occurred when he was a minor, beginning at age six and continuing until he was 14.
West connected this experience to discovering “dirty magazines” in his mother Donda’s closet as a child. He claimed he shared these magazines with his cousin, and they “acted out” what they saw.
Kanye West Makes Public Claim
In a related announcement, West revealed a new song titled “COUSINS,” which further details these experiences. Lyrics from the song corroborate his statements on social media, describing reading “dirty magazines” with his cousin and “reenacting everything that we had seen.”
The cousin mentioned by West is reportedly incarcerated for life for the murder of a pregnant woman, which occurred some years after West claims they stopped looking at the magazines together. West expressed a sense of guilt, suggesting he felt responsible for his cousin’s later actions due to their shared childhood experiences.
Kanye Attracts Widespread Attention
These claims have generated widespread attention and condemnation online, adding to the numerous controversies surrounding the artist. News outlets have described the revelations as “shocking” and “disturbing.”
Previously, both West and his former wife, Kim Kardashian, have publicly mentioned West’s incarcerated cousin in separate interviews, though without any reference to the incestuous relationship. In a 2018 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, West mentioned, “My cousin is locked up for murder, and I love him. He did a bad thing, but I still love him.” During a 2020 meeting about prison reform, Kardashian stated, “Kanye’s aunt, my husband’s aunt, his cousin has a double life sentence for a murder that he committed when he was 17.” Neither of these past references included any mention of the incestuous relationship West now describes in his new song.
Details from Kanye’s Song, “COUSINS”
The lyrics of the song appear to directly reflect Kanye West’s statements on social media. Specific lines include “hanging with my cousin reading dirty magazines” and “reenacting everything that we had seen,” leading to the act of oral sex. West also raps, “People tell me take it to my grave. Truth will set you free someday. I don’t think they understand that I’m not attracted to a man,” seemingly addressing potential interpretations of his confession. The content from the music video contains disturbing and graphic imagery. Descriptions include “grainy, home-video style footage” and symbols such as swastikas on a woman’s nipples and a burning cross.
The truthfulness of West’s claims remains unverified. These revelations add to a history of controversial statements and actions by the artist. The timing of these disclosures, coinciding with new music, has prompted speculation about their intent.
Kanye West’s Recurring Themes
Kanye West has a history of making antisemitic statements. In February 2025, he went on another rant on X, defending Sean “Diddy” Combs and praising Adolf Hitler, while accusing Elon Musk of stealing “nazi swag.” In October of 2022, he infamously tweeted he was going to go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” leading to account restrictions.
His accounts on platforms like X and Instagram have been temporarily or permanently restricted. Numerous organizations, celebrities, and individuals have strongly condemned his statements as hateful and dangerous. His talent agency, 33 & West, cut ties with him following his antisemitic outbursts. He has faced lawsuits, including one from a former employee alleging wrongful termination and religious discrimination due to antisemitic behavior.
Kanye West’s behavior has raised serious concerns about hate speech, the influence of public figures, and the impact of his words on his family and the wider community. His actions continue to be a subject of intense public scrutiny and debate.
