Hip-hop artist Kanye West, made an explosive statement that could be ascribed to the new genre of ‘alternative facts.’ Kanye West has said the historic enslavement of African Americans that took place over hundreds of years may have been a "choice". In an interview with American entertainment site TMZ, Kanye said, “When you hear about slavery for 400 years ... for 400 years? That sounds like a choice." He added, "right now we're choosing to be enslaved." West’s statements are an apparent reference to the economically-weaker state of a large percentage of African-Americans in the U.S.

But those listening to him did not agree with Kanye, to say the least. His statements provoked an angry response from a black member of staff at TMZ, Van Lathan. Lathan said the rapper's comments appeared to be made with "the absence of thought".

"You're entitled to believe whatever you want, but there is fact and real-world, real-life consequence behind everything that you just said," he added as Kanye sat next to him. "We have to deal with the marginalisation that has come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice," Lathan continued, adding: "I'm appalled, and brother I am unbelievably hurt by the fact that you have morphed into something to me that isn't real."

Africans were brought as slaves to the U.S. during the 17th and 18th century as a new country still under the crown’s rule began crop cultivation on a mass scale and needed cheap labour. The trade of Africans started by the British who brought them to their various colonies as field labour was continued by those populating the new world. U.S.’ granted equal rights to African-Americans in 1865 after the Civil War but it took a law in 1965 that ensured African-Americans across the U.S. could cast a vote.

West recently made headlines over his support for U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he referred to as his ‘brother’, in a tweet. He reiterated his support for the President in the TMZ interview, as West referred to Trump as "my boy" and says that the president is "one of rap's favourite people".

It comes just days after West released a song defending his support for Trump with lyrics insisting that the president is "fighting for the people".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2018 10:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).