Controversial online network: Kanye West wants to buy right-wing Twitter clone

Racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism: The scandals surrounding US rapper Kanye "Ye" West are not over.

Controversial online network: Kanye West wants to buy right-wing Twitter clone

Racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism: The scandals surrounding US rapper Kanye "Ye" West are not over. After the 45-year-old musician's social media accounts were blocked due to discriminatory statements, he wants to take over the microblogging platform Parler, which is popular in conservative circles.

The American rapper Kanye West wants to buy the social platform Parler. West's acquisition of parent company Parlement Technologies is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022, the developer of the app, popular with conservatives, said. A purchase price was not mentioned.

Parler has raised $56 million from investors so far and sees itself as a rival to Twitter. According to the network, it aims to "strengthen the future of freedom of expression" and to lead the "fight" against "big technology corporations, abusive government, censorship and cancel culture". After the storming of the US Capitol, the platform was temporarily removed from the Google and Apple app stores in January 2021. The tech giants had accused Parler of not taking action against calls for violence from Trump supporters on the platform.

"In a world where conservative opinions are considered controversial, we need to make sure we have the right to express ourselves freely," said West, now calling himself Ye. The 45-year-old's social media accounts have previously been restricted.

Most recently, West's Instagram account was suspended for posts condemned as anti-Semitic. In recent weeks, West has ended its partnership with clothing company Gap, while sporting goods manufacturer Adidas has put its collaboration with the rapper to the test.