Shocking Kanye West video premieres in Inglewood
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Kanye West debuted a shocking new video at the Forum in Inglewood Friday night.
The video for "Famous" features portrayals of a dozen naked celebrities in bed together.
The celebrity images include West himself, as well as his wife Kim Kardashian West, in addition to Taylor Swift, Caitlyn Jenner and Bill Cosby.
It was not immediately clear how the images were made, whether through lookalikes or special effects. Also not immediately clear was whether any of the celebrities portrayed gave permission for their images to be used.
Other celebrities in the video include George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Anna Wintour, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Ray J., Amber Rose, Caitlyn Jenner and Bill Cosby.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, West said the video took three months to make. He said the inclusion of the images in the video wasn't meant to specifically criticize or support any of them.
"It's not in support or anti any of (the people in the video)," West told the magazine. "It's a comment on fame."
Thousands of West fans had lined up Friday at the Forum, paying $25 each to see the premiere of the video from his album "The Life of Pablo." West later announced he was adding a second showing at 11 p.m.
The video evoked strong reactions.
"The first time around I was definitely shocked. I was like 'Whoa, that's crazy,'" said West fan Ibi Lagundoye.
Some fans said the video was so risky, it may get the rapper in legal trouble. Others felt the showing was artistic.
"It was very tastefully done, and I think it's more about the message of the project and not really about individuals nudity," said fan Emily Scherer.
After the video was over, West played music for his fans as they danced and sang along. The audience was very peaceful, which was a sharp contrast to the scene earlier this month.
Just weeks ago in New York, West planned a secret concert at Webster Hall but word got out fast and the show was canceled. After thousands filled the street, a near riot ensued.
