IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Kanye West’s comments create stir at concert

Diddy says rapper Kanye West said  ‘what a lot of people feel’ at a Hurricane Katrina relief concert.
/ Source: Access Hollywood

It was just a week ago that Hurricane Katrina roared through the Gulf Coast causing untold damage and misery.

The week of horror that followed has been brightened only by the overwhelming aid pouring in from people across the country.

Over the weekend, Hollywood continued to do its part to help at various telethons, including "A Concert for Hurricane Relief," benefit that aired on NBC and other networks Friday night. However, the focus took an unexpected turn thanks to the comments of Kanye West.

"I hate the way they portray us in the media," Kanye said to the cameras during the live broadcast. "If you see a black family, it says they're looting. If you see a white family, they're looking for food."

The oft-outspoken rapper then added, "George Bush doesn't care about black people."

Access Hollywood's Tim Vincent was at the benefit to get the stars' reaction to Kanye's comments.

"I think he spoke from his heart," Diddy told Tim. "He spoke what a lot of people feel."

"I think what Mr. West said provided one extreme that we should examine," Harry Connick Jr. said. "I think a lot of things were said that needed to be said and we raised the money. That's why we were here simply to raise money and we did."

NBC's live event has already raised $18 million to aid the victims of Katrina. But it was West's final comment that caused the NBC cameras to immediately cut away to a stunned and unsuspecting Chris Tucker.