Teyana Taylor Says ‘I’m Not Going to Abandon’ Kanye West but ‘I Don’t Have to Agree With Everything He Does or Says’

Teyana Taylor, the multi-talented performer who recently secured a Golden Globe for her supporting work in Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," has addressed her ongoing relationship with Kanye West. In a cover feature for Vanity Fair, the interviewer questioned whether she has sustained their friendship amidst West's numerous public controversies, which have prominently featured antisemitic remarks and his 2020 presidential bid.

Taylor, whose acclaimed acting debut came in the 2023 indie drama "A Thousand and One," provided a measured response. She explained to the publication that disagreement does not necessitate abandonment, comparing it to family dynamics. "My brothers do shit that I don’t agree with … I don’t get into none of that," she stated, adding, "I don’t have to agree with everything that he do or say, but I’m not going to, like, abandon him." This perspective illustrates the intricate personal allegiances that persist behind high-profile disputes. Cultural analyst Dr. Lena Shaw notes, "In the entertainment industry, where creative partnerships are deeply personal, the calculus for maintaining a relationship is rarely about public approval but often about private history and loyalty."

Their shared professional past is a key factor. Taylor initially rose to prominence for her standout choreography in West's 2016 "Fade" video, but their artistic connection began years earlier. She contributed vocals to the hook of "Dark Fantasy," the opening track on his critically lauded 2010 album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," an album often cited by critics as a landmark in 21st-century hip-hop for its ambitious production and thematic complexity.

West's actions have resulted in significant professional isolation. The rift widened considerably in late 2022 following his appearance in a "White Lives Matter" shirt at Paris Fashion Week and subsequent online posts, including one where he stated he was going "death con 3 on Jewish people." This triggered immediate terminations of major partnerships with corporations like Adidas and Balenciaga, and his label, Universal Music Group. Despite the backlash, West continued to express antisemitic views, culminating in a 2025 social media declaration where he identified as "a Nazi" and voiced admiration for Adolf Hitler.

As West faced continued industry exile, Taylor charted a separate, ascending path by focusing on her acting. This strategic shift culminated in her Golden Globe victory earlier this year for her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills, demonstrating how individuals from the same creative network can experience vastly different professional fortunes. The complete Vanity Fair profile, offering further insight into her career evolution and personal outlook, is now available.