An article from the Daily Currant titled, “Kanye West: ‘I Am The Next Nelson Mandela,’” is actually not real, but many thought that it was.
“Kanye West is under fire today for claiming that he will soon be a bigger cultural and civil rights icon than Nelson Mandela,” the satire report states.
“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 on its website 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.”
The article has since been “liked” more than 800,000 times on Facebook.
“If he wants to follow Nelson Mandella, lock him up for about 30 years,” wrote one user in the comments section. “Kanye West said he’s gonna be the next Nelson Mandela. Let’s start him off with 27 years in jail,” wrote another on Twitter.
Another added: “I wish I hadn’t read that.. That’s the most disrespectful thing I’ve ever read. Attention-digger.”
The Times-Live newspaper in South Africa were also apparently fooled by the satire, reported the Huffington Post. The paper abruptly took the article down earlier this week.
West also went on Twitter and stated: “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.”
