Kanye Explains Provocative “Famous” Video

Last night, Kanye West unveiled the video for his The Life of Pablo single “Famous” at a massive viewing event at the Forum in Los Angeles. The provocative clip depicts several extremely famous people—most of whom appear to be wax or prosthetic models—lying in a bed together: Kanye, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Amber Rose, Donald Trump, Caitlyn Jenner, Bill Cosby, Ray J, Chris Brown, Anna Wintour, and George W. Bush. In a chat with Vanity Fair, Kanye discussed the creation and concept behind the visual. 

When asked if the inclusion of Cosby was an endorsement (following his incendiary tweet earlier this year), he replied, “It’s not in support or anti any of [the people in the video]. It’s a comment on fame.” He also noted that he had Kim’s approval: “[I say] a lot of lines other wives would not allow a husband to say, but my wife also puts up photos that other husbands wouldn’t let them put up.” He also apparently previewed the video for celebrity friends who didn’t appear in the bed. “They want to be in the bed,” he said of their reactions.

He also commented on George W. Bush, who he famously accused of not caring “about black people” on live television. “Maybe in some alternative universe me and George Bush could have been friends,” he said. “I could have been his O.J. Simpson black friend on the golf course.”

The video is seemingly a recreation of Vincent Desiderio’s painting “Sleep,” and in the interview, he noted one of his inspirations as an artist: “Matthew Barney is my Jesus.” He revealed that it was filmed over the course of three months with multiple collaborators.

“Famous” has been the subject of controversy due to its references to Taylor Swift. Swift’s camp said that she “cautioned [West] about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message.” West, however, tweeted that she gave him “her blessings” to rap “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/I made that bitch famous” on the track. Months later, Kim Kardashian also said that Swift gave approval. 

Read the interview here and watch his “Famous” video here.

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