Kanye West calls for abolition of the 13th amendment - which abolished slavery

'13th amendment is slavery in disguise' artist says, before backtracking on comments

Kanye West has criticised the constitutional amendment which abolished slavery in the United States.

In a string of tweets posted on Sunday, the rapper and producer posted a photo of himself on a plane wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat, writing "this represents good and America becoming whole again".

"We will provide jobs for all who are free from prisons as we abolish the 13th amendment," he added.

He also said the amendment was "slavery in disguise meaning that it never ended".

The 13th amendment states that "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States".

It was ratified on 6 December 1865 and brought an end to slavery in the US following the country's brutal Civil War.

West's tweets triggered a backlash online, with fellow celebrities voicing opposition to his views.

Actor Chris Evans retweeted West's post and described the performer's views as "retrogressive, unprecedented and absolutely terrifying".

The rapper later attempted to clarify his tweets, insisting he did not want the amendment abolished but amended.

"We apply everyone’s opinions to our platform," he said on Twitter.

West was speaking soon after his performance on Saturday Night Live, during which he was wearing his 'Make America Great Again' hat.

He delivered a pro-Donald Trump speech off-air to the show's audience, prompting boos and heckles.

The performer has previously voiced support for the divisive US leader, who tweeted his support of West after his performance.

"Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told “no”), was great," Mr Trump wrote.

"He’s leading the charge!"

West has also made controversial remarks about slavery in the past.

"When you hear about slavery for 400 years. For 400 years? That sounds like a choice!" West said in May during an interview with TMZ.

The performer later claimed his comments had been misinterpreted and that he did not think slavery was a choice.