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Kanye West has been suspended from Instagram for 24 hours for breaching the social media network’s harassment policy.
West, who goes by “Ye,” will not be able to post, comment or send direct messages for 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Instagram, told CNBC Thursday that West violated the firm’s policies on hate speech and bullying and harassment.
Meta, which did not disclose the details of the post, said further action could be taken against West if he continues to offend in the future.
A representative for West did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
A report from showbiz publication Variety on Wednesday said West directed racial slurs at Trevor Noah, host of “The Daily Show,” in an Instagram post that has now been deleted.
The alleged slur reportedly came after Noah discussed an argument between West, West’s former wife Kim Kardashian and her boyfriend, “Saturday Night Live” comic Pete Davidson.
Kardashian filed for divorce a year ago, citing irreconcilable differences with West. The couple have four children together. Following the divorce, West publicly criticized Kardashian’s relationship with Davidson on social media and asked her to return to him.
Meta did not immediately respond when CNBC asked what time the suspension came into effect and what time it will be lifted.
Matt Navarra, a social media consultant, told CNBC that 24 hours feels like an “oddly specific” amount of time.
“Why not 48 hours, or a week, or longer?” he said. “There’s a frustrating lack of clarity from Meta over why this specific incident warranted a 24 hour suspension vs. say, a one week ban. How can Instagram users trust the platform when Meta’s rule break penalties feel like they are made up as it goes along.”
He added that some may question whether a regular non-famous Instagram user would get a lengthier suspension for a similar incident.
“This incident reignites the debate on whether high-profile users such as celebrities with huge followings should be treated the same as regular users when it comes to their conduct on social media platforms, or are companies like Meta making exceptions and offering preferential treatment.”
