Kanye West and Drake have come under fire after reports that none of the profits from their “Free Larry Hoover” merch will be donated to charity.  

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According to GQ, a representative confirmed: “While proceeds from ticket sales for the concert will reportedly benefit a number of criminal justice reform groups, profits from merch sales are not being earmarked for charity.” 

Kanye West and Drake ended their long standing beef and reconciled last Thursday (Dec. 9) for the Amazon-sponsored “Free Larry Hoover” benefit concert. Proceeds from the ticket sales will aid legal reform and community advocacy groups, including Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, Hustle 2.0, and Uptown People’s Law Center. 

A limited-edition range of merchandise was released in collaboration with Balenciaga designer Demna and Amazon Fashion. Demna has been kitting out Kanye West for much of 2021. Ye was spotted wearing Balenciaga for much of his “DONDA” album cycle.  

Kanye West x Drake “Free Hoover” Merch

The #FreeHoover capsule “engineered by Balenciaga” went on sale on Friday (Dec. 10) for 72 hours. Fans can pre order items from the collection, including a $200 hoodie and $100 tee. Also on offer are a $160 baseball tee, $60 hat, $360 jumpsuit, and $400 jeans. 

Outfit Myth
@OutfitMyth
ad: Kanye West x Drake Free Hover Merch Available On Amazon US >> https://t.co/NgRw0cvaBM

ENGINEERED BY BALENCIAGA, MADE IN USA https://t.co/8veozqfU8b

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12:54 PM · Dec 10, 2021
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Twitter Reacts

On December 10, GQ reporter Eileen Cartter linked her story in a Tweet that has seen Kanye West and Drake receive some backlash. Cartter wrote: 

“a scoop for today: a rep confirmed none of the proceeds from the Ye x Drake x Demna x Amazon Fashion merch for last night’s Larry Hoover benefit concert will go to criminal justice orgs.” 

One user pointed out that merch was on sale despite not providing any context as to who Larry Hoover is or the movement to free him. 

“i’ve bought a lot of s### merch at concerts but imagine seeing people walking around with “Free Hoover” on their back with no context” 

J.
@jaytothelo
i’ve bought a lot of shit merch at concerts but imagine seeing people walking around with “Free Hoover” on their back with no context https://t.co/Xp1kbmqky2

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1:29 AM · Dec 13, 2021
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Additionally, another wrote: “No criminal justice, just Hoover denim and vibes”  

Skoob 🇵🇦🇯🇲
@TheKidSkoob
No criminal justice, just Hoover denim and vibes. https://t.co/Bf2n3vYs5W

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7:46 PM · Dec 12, 2021
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Elsewhere, another suggested Kanye West has “gone full megapastor now.” 

Put the Jerk Down Chicago
@DixonRomeo
He done gone full megapastor now https://t.co/x3zdlIlAly

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9:23 PM · Dec 12, 2021
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“If this is true, that’s so sad after Ye and Drake both said they’d used this concert to benefit Larry Hoover.” 

Amr Gabr
@amrgaabr
If this is true, that’s so sad after Ye and Drake both said they’d used this concert to benefit Larry Hoover https://t.co/yOx95o63Ni

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9:19 PM · Dec 10, 2021
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Another went as far as to accuse Kanye West of using the event as an attempt to reunite with Kim Kardashian.  

“Y’all surprised? It was giant simp event so Kanye could release Kim from the shackles of Pete Davidson. He doesn’t give a damn about Larry Hoover.” 

Josh (Fake Mav Fan)
@JustJoshinYaCam
Y’all surprised?

It was giant simp event so Kanye could release Kim from the shackles of Pete Davidson.

He doesn’t give a damn about Larry Hoover. https://t.co/HmulPDZmAF

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4:37 AM · Dec 11, 2021
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Meanwhile, others questioned the backlash as the proceeds of tickets sales would be donated to charity.  

“Why is this important when the proceeds from the ticket sales are going to criminal justice orgs?” 

Smitty
@SmittySav
Why is this important when the proceeds from the ticket sales are going to criminal justice orgs? https://t.co/HmuZ9FCVuN

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8:32 PM · Dec 11, 2021
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Another added, “Yall acting like like thousands of people spent money on $300 clothing from the merch. The money from the ticket sales is where the numbers count. People love reaching at hating smh” 

JP
@_certifiedkilla
Yall acting like like thousands of people spent money on $300 clothing from the merch. The money from the ticket sales is where the numbers count. People love reaching at hating smh https://t.co/ENhRAF8oGe

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1:43 PM · Dec 12, 2021
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