The war of words between Kanye West and former U.S. President George W. Bush sparked by accusations West made in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is still being battled out.
You might recall that back in 2005, Kanye West accused Bush of not caring "about black people" during the recovery period that followed the massive natural disaster that hit New Orleans.
It seems the issue is still very sensitive for the former president, who is aggravated and bothered by West's comments.
In an interview with the Today show in the States, Bush tells presenter Matt Lauer why he still harbours ill-feelings towards the pop star.
"He called me a racist. I didn't appreciate it then. I don't appreciate it now,” Bush said.
“It's one thing to say, 'I don't appreciate the way he's handled his business.' It's another thing to say, 'This man's a racist.’
"I resent it, it's not true, and it was one of the most disgusting moments in my presidency. My record was strong I felt when it came to race relations and giving people a chance."
Kanye West just joined Houston radio station The Box to discuss Bush’s comments, but he didn't make a whole lot of sense.
West explained his accusation (yet again), before empathising with the former president.
“It was basically a lack of compassion that America saw in that situation with him… not taking the time to rush down to New Orleans,” he said.
West said he understood why Bush was still affected by his comment, comparing the aftermath of this situation to the negativity he faced following his horrific behavior towards Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards.
“I definitely can understand the way he feels to be accused of being a racist,” West said, before explaining how the incident on stage at the MTV Awards – and the months of press attention that followed – impacted him.
“I became a better person... I do think I changed a lot. I think I’m more compassionate and more sensitive to peoples’ emotions. I’m just understanding that it’s not about me. It’s not about what my opinion is all the time,” he said.
“I feel like a brand new artist. I feel like respect is something that’s hard to earn but easy to lose and I feel like I’m on the path to getting all that back right now.”
The interview with Bush airs next Monday.
Listen to the interview with Kanye West below:
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