Kanye West Gets Texas Lawmaker’s Award Despite Antisemitism Controversy

Kanye West received a proclamation, a Global Icon Award and a commemorative Texas flag from state Rep. Ron Reynolds after his October 31 concert at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The Fort Bend Democrat recognized Ye’s contributions to music and culture, according to local reports. The flag Reynolds gave him had been flown over the Texas State Capitol in Austin before the presentation.

“This flag was flown over our Capitol in Austin for none other than Kanye West,” Reynolds said during the presentation. He described the city’s reception as “showing him mad love and respect.”

In an October 30 Instagram warning, the venue said “outward expressions of hate will not be tolerated,” as AllHipHop previously reported. The policy covered hateful images on clothing and signs. People who violated it could be denied entry. Face paint was also barred for security reasons.

Those precautions followed Ye’s repeated antisemitic remarks and praise of Adolf Hitler. His appearance also prompted a response from the Holocaust Museum Houston, which offered free weekend admission as counterprogramming, as AllHipHop reported.

Ye shared the stage with Playboi Carti and his daughter North West during the Halloween performance. Travis Scott was also in the audience.

The three-hour show placed Ye atop a massive globe as he performed classics such as “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”

The show was Ye’s first traditional Houston concert since 2013. He had returned in 2019 for Sunday Service appearances at Lakewood Church and the Harris County Jail.

Ye was due back in Texas a week after the Houston show, with his next listed date on November 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

His schedule also included November 21 at State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix area.