An article saying that Kanye West claims he will be “the next Nelson Mandela” is actually from a satire news publication. The rapper was forced to respond to the fake report this week.
West tweeted: “Despite recent media reports, I’ve never said anything to dishonor or trivialize the life or transition of one of the most inspiring leaders.”
“At a young age my mother taught me the importance of his work. Mandela sacrificed his life for the betterment of mankind,” he wrote. “Thank you, Mandela, for your life’s work and may it serve as a guiding light to illuminate our future.”
The article was published on the Daily Currant, a satire news site similar to The Onion--only without the name recognition.
“I am the next Nelson Mandela,” West says in the fake article. “I’m only 36 years old, and when I look at everything I’ve accomplished, it’s the only comparison that makes any sense. By the time I’m 95, I’m going to be a bigger hero than he ever was.”
The Daily Currant says that “our stories are purely fictional. However they are meant to address real-world issues through satire and often refer and link to real events happening in the world.” It added: “The Daily Currant is an English language online satirical newspaper that covers global politics, business, technology, entertainment, science, health and media. It is accessible from over 190 countries worldwide – now including South Sudan.”
But the article has been “liked” hundreds of thousands of times on Facebook, with many commenting on it like it was real.
“If he wants to follow Nelson Mandella, lock him up for about 30 years,” wrote one user in the comments section.
On Thursday, people were still fuming about the article on Twitter.
One wrote: “Kanye just said he’s the next Nelson Mandela wtf.”
“I’m really mad Kanye west said he’s the next Nelson Mandela,” another added. “Hope he goes to hell for that ignorant statement.”
South Africa’s Times-Live newspaper also was fooled by the fake reporting before it took the article down.
