Kanye West’s 2025 Super Bowl Controversy: The Ad Stunt That Shocked Viewers
- John Matters
- Feb 14
- 2 min read
In February 2025, Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, ignited widespread controversy during Super Bowl LIX with a provocative advertising stunt. He purchased local ad slots in select markets, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and St. Louis, to promote his Yeezy brand. The 15-second commercial featured Ye seated in a dentist's chair, casually mentioning, "I spent like all the money for the commercial on these new teeth. So, once again I had to shoot it on the iPhone. Um, um, um, go to Yeezy.com."
At the time of the ad's approval and airing, the Yeezy website displayed standard athletic apparel. However, shortly after the commercial aired, the site was altered to feature a single item: a white T-shirt emblazoned with a black swastika, labeled "HH-01," a code referencing "Heil Hitler."
This sudden shift led to immediate backlash. Shopify, the platform hosting the Yeezy online store, swiftly removed the site, stating that the merchant violated their terms by not engaging in authentic commerce practices.
Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy addressed the incident, explaining that the ad was initially presented as promoting a legitimate online apparel site. He noted that the content was switched post-airing without the stations' knowledge, leading respondents to a product he described as "wholly appalling." Abernethy expressed regret over the commercials airing and strongly condemned any form of antisemitism.
Legal experts weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Ye might avoid legal repercussions due to the ad's initial innocuous content. Attorney Camron Downlatshahi pointed out that since the original advertisement did not contain offensive material, there might be no legal grounds for action. However, he emphasized that networks would likely exercise greater caution in future dealings with Ye.
The incident also had personal ramifications for Ye. Reports emerged that his wife, Bianca Censori, was deeply troubled by his actions, particularly the promotion of the swastika T-shirt, which she reportedly described as the "last straw." While some sources indicated that Censori had decided to end their two-year marriage over the controversy, a representative for the couple refuted these claims, stating that they were together in Los Angeles and planning to spend Valentine's Day together.
This Super Bowl incident is part of a broader pattern of controversial behavior from Ye, including previous antisemitic remarks and erratic public appearances, which have led to significant professional and personal consequences.
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