Lil Yachty announces his social media exit after sparking backlash with a claim that Atlanta sets fashion trends and New York follows.
Taking to Instagram Live Thursday (August 1), Yachty declared: “I don’t got shit else to say. I’m gone off this internet shit. I think I’m gone for the rest of the year. I swear to God.”
“But I ain’t posting no more shit,” he continued. “I ain’t posting no fits. I’m deleting the apps off my phone. I swear to God…I’m not tweeting, I’m minding my fucking business.”
“I got nothing but love for New York and New York Fashion. And with that being said I am gone from the internet. So, bye.”
In a recent episode of his A Safe Place Podcast, Yachty boldly claimed that New York bites Atlanta’s style.
“I feel like New York didn’t have this — I don’t want to say identity — but everyone used to just kinda copy Atlanta,” he said while interviewing Cash Cobain. “You said it yourself. Even, like, the influence was extremely heavy from Atlanta […] As far as style goes, I don’t think it’s shit going on when it comes to New York fashion.”
He continued: “I feel just people on those outskirts — Queens, Bronx — do they even come to [Manhattan to shop]?”
Yachty’s remarks were met with backlash from fans and industry figures, including Fivio Foreign and Juelz Santana.
“WE all Love Atl But did @lilyachty SAY say the flyes [ninja emoji] N the Most TRENDSETTERS Came from ALT WOW Much love bro,” wrote Juelz via Instagram.
“How Yatchy say ATL dress better than ny w a whole NY fit,” wrote Fivio on X/Twitter.
After facing criticism, Yachty attempted to clarify his remarks, though the damage seemed done. “When you go back to a certain time, it’s for sure New York. But if you think about lately, all the trends come from Atlanta!” he said. “First off, I got nothing but love for New York. I think a lot of the flyest people in the world were born in New York.” He added, “I apologize to the Bronx if they feel some kind of way about that comment. Amiri down, do your thing. I be in New York so don’t fucking rob me. It was a joke.”