FM Politics
A$AP Rocky Z-shaped Chain Instagram Post Ended In A Worldwide Controversy
On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian army began invading a neighboring country, killing thousands of civilians and committing numerous war crimes for no good reason or purpose. The so-called military forces in question also drew the letter ‘Z’ on their tanks, later making it an official brand logo of the invasion.
(Left) Letter ‘Z’ on a Russian tank in the Russia-occupied city of Mariupol, Ukraine. (Right) The letter ‘Z’ on a large-scale TV screen in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image source: Anatoly Maltsev/Shutterstock, Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters.
With the ongoing war, even the slightest sign of support for the wrong side can spark controversy. The “Babushka Boi” artist found himself amidst one a couple of days ago.
A$AP Rocky promoted his new single on Instagram, with one of the carousel’s images being a chain shaped like a letter ‘Z.’ The letter in question also consisted of tank-shaped diamonds, which doesn’t make it any better.
The controversial picture in A$AP Rocky’s controversial post. Image source: Instagram.
Commentators were asking Rocky if he was okay and accused the artist of supporting war crimes. Metro Boomin also showed up to leave six fire emojis in the comment section, probably rooting for the new track, not the alleged political message.
The comment section under A$AP Rocky’s controversial post. Image source: Instagram.
In A$AP Rocky’s Defense
Considering Rocky’s self-acclaimed total apoliticism (“I’m A$AP Rocky. I did not sign up to be no political activist. I wanna talk about my mother****in’ lean, my best friend dying, the girls that come in and out of my life, the jiggy fashion that I wear, my new inspirations in drugs!”), all of it might be just a stupid mistake.
However, A$AP Rocky also never said anything regarding the ‘Z’ incident, only deleting the controversial picture.
View this post on Instagram
In Conclusion
All in all, the controversial situation seems like a big misunderstanding. A$AP Rocky probably should’ve known better before posting a Z-shaped chain, considering what it symbolizes for the past year and a half.
But also, as unfortunate as it is, not everyone follows the abhorrent events currently taking place in Ukraine. Especially people who consider themselves “to be no political activist.” This might not be the right choice after all, but definitely not on the same scale as supporting war crimes.
Unless, of course, A$AP Rocky somehow got involved with Kremlin.
Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk
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