Kanye West shocked fans when he brought out Marilyn Manson and DaBaby at his DONDA listening event in Chicago on Thursday night.
He faced criticism on social media for showing support for the embattled rocker, who is facing allegations of sexual abuse and physical violence.
But despite the controversy, Kanye is seemingly not worried about aligning himself with two “canceled” celebrities. “He knows that people are going to be upset and that there will be backlash,” a source tells PEOPLE. “He also knows that people are talking about it today when they wouldn’t have been otherwise.”
Ye has reportedly collaborated with Manson on an unreleased song for DONDA, which could arrive as soon as tonight or tomorrow.
“Marilyn Manson’s voice is featured on DONDA,” said a spokesperson for Manson. “And he will continue to conceptually collaborate with Ye on the DONDA project.”
Manson has been accused of sexual abuse and domestic violence from more than 15 women, including actresses Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco. He has denied the allegations and has not been charged with any crime.
During Thursday’s listening party at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Kim Kardashian also made a surprise appearance in a wedding dress for a recreation of their 2014 wedding. However, she was apparently unaware that Manson or DaBaby would be on stage with her estranged husband.
“She wasn’t in the loop at all about what was happening at the show,” a source told PEOPLE. “She understands why there is backlash. Kim is all about positive publicity. She would have never participated if she knew Manson would be there.”
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