Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

During his latest ‘DONDA’ event, Kanye West stood next to DaBaby and Marilyn Manson, who has multiple rape allegations against him.

Kanye West still has not released DONDA. 

Instead, the rapper has been taking the unfinished demo around the country, playing it for crowds and streaming the show on Apple, while continuing to tinker with the final version.

On Thursday, August 27th, he held a listening show at Chicago’s Soldier Field. And there were some interesting updates. For one, there was a set, featuring a recreation of Kanye’s childhood house.

Looks like Kanye is building a replica of his childhood home in the middle of Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Donda West purchased the South Shore house in the 1980s and sold it in 2004. Last year, Kanye bought it back for $225,000. pic.twitter.com/p8Utayxw37

— Pigeons & Planes (@PigsAndPlans) August 24, 2021

There was a moment where Kanye West lit himself on fire. And there was an appearance from Kim Kardashian West, who was wearing a wedding dress.

Drake: “burnt out”

Kanye: *sets himself on fire*#DONDA pic.twitter.com/qpHzvGZa6i

— Simmy Automatic (@simmyauto15) August 27, 2021

KIM RETURNED WITH KANYE? ??????? #donda pic.twitter.com/Yj4ohApUqv

— YEEZUS FAM ? (@yeezusisking__) August 27, 2021

Then there was the music. The Lox, Kid Cudi, and JAY-Z were removed from songs and other edits. 

But most startling was the moment where Kanye stood with DaBaby (who replaced JAY-Z on “Heaven and Hell”) and Marilyn Manson. This is not random. Kanye West is a provocateur and this is clearly a statement. 

Kanye West, Travis Scott, DaBaby & Marilyn Manson at DONDA LP3. pic.twitter.com/FOUW9kSmfr

— ? (@TRAVISONTOUR) August 27, 2021

DaBaby has been criticized roundly for his homophobic comments at Rolling Loud earlier in the summer. Most of his festival dates were cancelled. (The only major show he did was at Summer Jam 2021, which included another lackluster apology from the rapper.) And Manson has numerous rape and sexual allegations against. him. In February, actress Evan Rachel Wood wrote a harrowing Instagram post where she detailed the abuse. 

“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” Wood wrote. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”

Manson was soon dropped from his label and by his manager. (He has denied these allegations.)

“Woke” and “cancel” culture is something Kanye has talked about in the passed. During his Jesus is King rollout, he talked with Real 92.3 LA about this tension:

“Everybody thinks they’re so woke, but they’re following the rules of what woke’s supposed to be. Hip-hop ain’t ever been about following rules. It been about doing what you feel.” 

He also added “I’ve been canceled before they had canceled culture. I was canceled before they had the term.” If Kanye has been canceled, there seems to be very little evidence, considering he’s still one of the most celebrated pop stars working. 

The reaction to Kanye’s latest stunt was, understandably, radioactive online.  

I’d love to see Kanye’s reaction to someone asking him why he chose to have a homophobe and a rapist so prominently displayed on stage tonight for the album listening party that bears his mother’s name and would that make her proud

— danny deck (@hdrewblackburn) August 27, 2021

So in short Kanye west held a super spreader event to show the world that you cant cancel abusers snd rapists.

— Danny Long Legs (@NoEmmeG) August 27, 2021

Kanye’s mom died like 15 years ago. That can’t be why he propped up a rapist today. Like that’s not an excuse anymore.

— Rae Sanni (@raesanni) August 27, 2021

Kanye West’s DONDA is coming out on September 3rd (the same day as Drake’s Certified Lover Boy.)