In search of immediate solace! Certain celebrities opt for a break from the online realm, where an overwhelming frenzy thrives, as a means to find tranquility.
Renowned personalities like Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, and Sarah Hyland have chosen to temporarily retreat from social media, with the intention of rejuvenating their thoughts, minimizing public attention, and resetting their online activities.
Despite having a substantial fan base, the ex-Disney star had to face a considerable number of detractors, making it challenging for her to derive pleasure from using the apps.
She elaborated, "Each day, I would wake up and question my purpose in doing this. These hurtful words serve no purpose and hold no truth. Therefore, I made the decision to distance myself from it, recognizing that it was not beneficial for my well-being."
Despite being a renowned Instagram sensation, Kardashian herself has occasionally taken short hiatuses from the platform. Following the traumatic incident of being robbed at gunpoint in Paris back in October 2016, she refrained from accessing her accounts for a duration of three months.
Ever since then, the founder of Skims has adopted a modified approach to her posts, no longer sharing Instagram Stories in real-time.
Keep scrolling to see which celebrities stepped back from social media:
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Celebrities Who Took a Break From Social Media: Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez and More
Looking for immediate solace! Some celebrities opt to find peace by temporarily disconnecting from the online world, where chaos rules supreme.
Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, and Sarah Hyland are among the stars who have temporarily stepped away from social media to rejuvenate their minds, escape endless notifications, and clear their search history.
Despite having a large fan base, the ex-Disney star also faced a considerable amount of criticism, which made it challenging for her to derive joy from using the apps.
She elaborated, "Every morning, I found myself questioning why I continued to subject myself to this. These hurtful words only brought negativity into my life, and quite frankly, they were baseless lies. Therefore, I made the decision to remove myself from the situation, recognizing that it wasn't beneficial for my well-being."
Following a distressing incident in October 2016 when Kardashian experienced a gunpoint robbery in Paris, the renowned Instagram influencer took a hiatus from the platform for a period of three months. Since then, the founder of Skims has implemented alterations in her posting approach, ceasing to share Instagram Stories in real-time.
Keep scrolling to see which celebrities stepped back from social media:
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Taron Egerton
Egerton shared a lengthy Instagram post in June 2023, detailing his decision to step away from social media for the time being.
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Chris Evans
Per screenshots taken before Evans deactivated his account in June 2023, the Captain America actor reposted Egerton's social media goodbye to his own Instagram Story.
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Billie Eilish
The pop sensation "Happier Than Ever" shared on "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend: Musician Series" in March 2023 that she no longer engages with social media. "I've completely removed it from my phone, which is a really big deal for me," she disclosed, reflecting on the significant impact the internet had on her teenage years. "During my adolescence, the internet was my community. I belonged to that online world... But now, the content I come across revolves around me. It's rather unpleasant! I find it distasteful."
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Selena Gomez
She declared in February 2023 her intention to once again step away from her online platforms following her response to speculations about her supposed dispute with Hailey. "I am filled with joy and gratitude. I am incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing friends and fans worldwide, and I couldn't be happier," she expressed during a live TikTok video. "I am content with myself, it doesn't matter. Whether I'm popular or not, it doesn't matter to me. I embrace who I am. ... I will be taking a break from social media because it all seems a bit foolish."
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Gigi Hadid
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Tom Holland
"I have temporarily refrained from using social media for the sake of my mental well-being due to the overwhelming and overstimulating nature of platforms like Instagram and Twitter," expressed the Spider-Man actor in August 2022, following a hiatus of over a month from posting. "Reading online content about myself can easily lead me into a negative cycle of thoughts, which ultimately has a detrimental impact on my mental state. Hence, I decided to take a step back and uninstall the app."
Continuing his statement, Holland, who serves as a cofounder of The Brother's Trust fundraising organization, added, "During this brief return to Instagram, I felt obliged and thought it beneficial to shed light on one of the charities we sponsor, which is Stem4."
He expressed that the organization's four apps — Calm Harm, Clear Fear, Combined Minds, and Move Mood — have been created to assist users in enhancing their mental well-being. "Requesting help and actively searching for assistance is not something to be ashamed of, although it is certainly easier said than done. Therefore, these apps can potentially serve as your initial stride towards achieving a happier and healthier state." Holland urged fans to contribute to Stem4 or visit the Brother's Trust website to purchase merchandise that aids the organization.
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Just a week following her public breakup with ex-fiancé Nayte Olukoya, the former Bachelorette declared her intention to take a break from social media. Taking to her Instagram Story in June 2022, Young expressed her gratitude for the numerous kind and encouraging messages she had received, while also reaffirming her decision to temporarily distance herself from social media.
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Awkwafina
The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star shared that she'd be taking a hiatus from Twitter until at least 2024.
"I'll be taking a break from Twitter for a few years, as my therapist suggests," she tweeted in February 2022. "I want to express my gratitude to my fans for their unwavering love and support, even though I wish I could be a better person for all of you. If I ever fell short in any way, I sincerely apologize. You will always have a special place in my heart ❤️."
She made the decision to go on hiatus shortly after addressing her past use of a "blaccent" and African American Vernacular English (AAVE) during the initial stages of her career.
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Nick Jonas
In January 2022, the musician revealed that after he "unintentionally" took a break from social media, the time allowed him to "just be present" and it "felt great."
The "Havana" singer made an announcement in December 2021 that she intended to take a break from social media after the Christmas season. She shared her decision via her Instagram Story the day after Christmas, stating, "Going on a little social media detox until the new year!!!! Just want to spend less time on my phone this week x love you all."
A day prior to this, the former member of Fifth Harmony, wished her mother, Sinuhe Estrabao, a happy birthday on Instagram. She expressed gratitude for teaching her the importance of love and generosity, along with kindness, empathy, compassion, and caring for others. She also wished her mother a day filled with fun, laughter, friendship, joy, and rest. Happy birthday to her Christmas baby!"
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Ariana Grande
On Christmas Eve in 2021, the renowned pop star made a surprising move by vanishing from Twitter as she deleted her account. As the holiday season approached, Grande made her final online presence known through Instagram. With a simple yet heartfelt message, she shared on Instagram Stories, "Merry :), Be safe. I love you."
Shawn Mendes
The reason behind his departure from TikTok in October 2021 was revealed by the singer of "Treat You Better." He admitted to having a excessive fondness for his apps, which compelled him to take a step back. Fortunately, this break is only temporary. In an interview with Audacy, he confessed, "I really enjoy TikTok. However, my addiction to social media is so intense that I must maintain a sense of balance in my life." He further explained that he occasionally deletes these apps to regain control. While confirming his current TikTok hiatus, the Canadian artist mentioned, "When I do use it, it becomes everything... As someone who grew up on Vine, I must say that TikTok is far more advanced."
In December 2021, Mendes expressed his struggles with social media, acknowledging that he was currently facing some challenges. However, he genuinely appreciated the affection he received for his single "I'll Be Okay." In a video, he shared his observation of numerous TikToks where people were moved to tears and expressed emotions, and he hoped that these reactions stemmed from a genuine connection to the song. He expressed immense pride and gratitude for the profound connection that his audience had with the song.
After the arrival of her third child, the former Party of Five actress turned to Instagram in October 2021 to reveal that she would be taking a break from social media. Hewitt expressed her need for a hiatus of at least a week, possibly two, in order to shift her focus from mindless scrolling to quality time with her family.
The star of 9-1-1 elaborated on how being active on these platforms had negatively affected her perception of her postpartum body. Through an Instagram Story, she shared her feelings of inadequacy - that she wasn't doing enough, that her body wasn't bouncing back quickly enough, and that she wasn't giving enough in general.
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Hayley Williams
The Paramore crooner wrote a lengthy statement via Instagram, announcing her social media pause.
Williams added that professional updates moving forward can be found via the band’s account.
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Lana Del Rey
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Lorde
In August 2021, during an interview with James Corden, the "Solar Power" singer revealed that they had taken steps to distance themselves from social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Not only did they get rid of these platforms, but they also blocked access to YouTube. Instead, they found solace and a sense of community in the New York Times cooking app.
In Vogue's October 2021 cover story, the New Zealand native delved deeper into her decision to step away from social media. Explaining that she was once known for being up-to-date, Lorde expressed that it was a profound philosophical choice to disconnect. She saw her phone as a gateway that she could no longer traverse, comparing it to taking mushrooms throughout the day - an overwhelming experience. Lorde recognized the detrimental effects of staying online and believed it would negatively impact her work and personal well-being. She pointed out that social media rarely has a positive impact and explained that it triggers chemical reactions and forms unhealthy neural pathways. Lorde emphasized the need to acknowledge these societal sicknesses.
Delilah Belle Hamlin
In August 2021, she informed her followers that she required a period of time away from her apps to prioritize her own well-being and health. Via Instagram, she expressed, "On social media, people tend to show only what they want others to see. I want you all to understand that I'm not flawless." She further stated, "For various reasons, I haven't taken my physical and mental health seriously for a long time. However, at present, I must place my physical and mental well-being as my top priority, even though I strangely feel guilty about doing so. The situation is becoming a bit worrisome, which is why I might not be as active on social media, miss deadlines, or fail to respond to messages. I apologize to everyone, but I personally need this break in order to conserve my energy and focus on my healing process."
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Lindsey Shaw
Following the criticism received for her controversial TikTok video, where she raised doubts about a dance form created by talented Black choreographers, the former cast member of "Ned's Declassified" emotionally announced her decision to temporarily step away from social media through an emotional Instagram Story video.
"I want to address the hate in my inbox, it's absolutely unacceptable," she expressed in July 2021. "I did not have any ill intentions whatsoever. Like everyone else, I am constantly learning and growing. It's crucial that this kind of hate disappears from this world, regardless of who it's aimed at. These tears are genuine, not false. If you have any knowledge of my values or beliefs, you know that this isn't something I endorse."
The actress further stated, "To prioritize my mental well-being, I needed to distance myself from social media. However, I want to make it clear that I have no intention of offending or diminishing anyone. ... The impact wasn't meant to be as grave as it might have seemed. I just need some time to regroup. I truly appreciate and love all of you, and I will return. Hopefully, I will acquire more knowledge, and may we all nurture empathy and understanding."
Brie Larson
On the occasion of her YouTube channel's one-year anniversary in July 2021, the renowned actress from Captain Marvel revealed her decision to temporarily halt her social media venture. Speaking directly to her followers in a video message, she confessed, "To be honest, I never expected to reach this milestone. I couldn't anticipate how I would feel about consistently sharing my thoughts and experiences in this manner. As some of you may know, I conceived the idea for this channel even before the pandemic, as a means to rejuvenate myself. It was my way of embracing my playful and ordinary side."
Due to the increased frequency of film production following the 2020 coronavirus lockdowns, the Oscar winner acknowledged that she would have less availability to dedicate to her vlog. She stated, "I will no longer be able to create weekly videos as it has become challenging to keep up. I need to prioritize my primary occupation – acting, which requires my full attention."
The star of Crikey! It's the Irwins recently announced on Instagram that she will be taking a month-long break from the apps. This decision comes almost three months after giving birth to her daughter, Grace Warrior. She expressed her gratitude for being able to share her life and conservation work with her followers, but emphasized the need to focus on her family's happiness, both human and animal. She encouraged her followers to keep up with their adventures by following her family and Australia Zoo on social media. Additionally, she acknowledged the importance of mental health and shared her appreciation for those who have reached out to share their own stories. She assured her friends dealing with depression, anxiety, and other battles that she sees them and believes these issues deserve open discussion and support. She advised surrounding oneself with people who genuinely care and will provide support during both good and difficult times. She reminded everyone that helplines are available for those in need and stressed the importance of understanding and supporting mental health rather than dismissing or patronizing it. She concluded with a powerful statement, affirming that everyone is deserving of love and kindness.
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Margot Robbie
The actress who played Harley Quinn had been absent from Instagram for a period of six weeks before she officially announced her decision to take a break in June 2021. On Instagram, she revealed, "I will be stepping away from social media for now. If you're interested in what we're working on, feel free to visit @luckychapentertainment. Otherwise, goodbye for now!" Accompanying the statement was a photo of herself and her colleagues from Lucky Chap, the production company she is a part of, as they celebrated the success of their latest film, Promising Young Woman.
Eboni K. Williams
The Real Housewives of New York City star declared her temporary withdrawal from social media in June 2021, lasting approximately two weeks. This decision was influenced by the release of challenging RHONY episodes. In an Instagram video, she urged her followers to embrace and watch these episodes, acknowledging their intensity and significance. She acknowledged the distinctiveness of the current season, characterized by the ongoing pandemic and the crucial movements towards racial reconciliation. Being in the heart of New York City, she emphasized the weighty responsibility placed upon the cast during this time.
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Hailey Baldwin
In a recent YouTube video featuring psychiatrist Jessica Clemons, the model revealed that they no longer have a Twitter account. The reason behind this decision is the consistently toxic environment that the platform offered. Merely thinking of opening the app brings forth intense anxiety to the point of nausea. Seeking validation from others has been both a weakness and an ongoing challenge for the model. However, they have realized the importance of not feeling obliged to explain themselves to everyone or owe anything to anyone. Instead, they are focusing on personal growth and correction behind closed doors.
Baldwin also made some changes to her Instagram feed, restricting comments in order to create a more "encouraging and uplifting" environment.
In March 2021, the Scandal alum took to Twitter to share a video where she announced her temporary absence from social media. Expressing her need for a break, she conveyed her affection for her followers, stating, “I love you guys. ... Miss you already,” alongside the video.
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Evan Rachel Wood
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Ant Anstead
The TV presenter made an announcement in August 2020, expressing his intention to temporarily distance himself from social media. In an Instagram post, he stated, "The current state of the world is rather chaotic. While social media has its merits, it also harbors a toxic aspect." Reflecting on recent events, he shared, "I've resorted to blocking over 100 individuals in the past few days. It saddens me to witness this outpouring of negativity from fellow humans!" Consequently, he decided to take a brief hiatus. During this time, he plans to dedicate himself to spoiling his wife, amusing his children, indulging in a copious amount of carbs, and immersing himself in 1980's movies.
He concluded his message by urging everyone to treat each other with kindness and bidding them farewell.Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Cole Sprouse
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Jenna Marbles
The YouTuber made an announcement in June 2020, expressing her intention to step back from her channel. This decision came after she apologized for the presence of past racist videos. She addressed her followers, stating that she was uncertain about continuing to create content on this channel. Expressing remorse for employing blackface and featuring offensive sketches in her collection, she emphasized her desire to avoid causing harm to anyone with her content. As a result, she concluded that she needed to put an end to this channel, either temporarily or permanently.
The actress made her return to social media during the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. "I've taken a break from social media for some time," Barrymore disclosed while sharing a collection of memes. "I've been at a loss for words... But my friends sent me these hilarious things that made me laugh this week, reminding me of the inventive humor that thrives in the untamed realm of social media ️"
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Tom Holland
Though his account is still active, the Marvel star confessed to E! News in February 2020 that he had to completely remove the Instagram app from his phone. He stated that it had consumed his life, leading to an unhealthy obsession with seeking validation through likes and comments. He admitted that he had become more focused on his virtual Instagram persona than his actual life. However, since distancing himself from the platform, he has redirected his energy towards self-improvement and planning for his future as Tom. This shift has brought him a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
The celebrated artist behind "Juice" had an explosive start to the new year, bidding farewell to Twitter and its abundance of trolls. On January 5, 2020, the incredibly talented artist behind "Good as Hell" took to Twitter to announce her temporary departure from the platform due to the overwhelming negativity. She declared, "Yeah I can't do this Twitter shit no more... too many trolls. I'll be back when I feel like it." Notwithstanding her absence from Twitter, this extraordinary musician continues to maintain an active presence on Instagram.
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Ed Sheeran
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Channing Tatum
When the famous actor from Magic Mike made the announcement in August 2019 about his temporary departure from social media, he expressed his intention to take a brief hiatus in order to focus on enhancing his creativity. In an Instagram post, the actor candidly explained, "Honestly, I haven't been feeling very inspired on social media for the past couple of years. So, I've decided to disconnect from it for a while and immerse myself in the real world."
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Demi Lovato
Lovato took to her Instagram Story in July 2019 to show support for her manager, Scooter Braun, during his ongoing feud with Taylor Swift over his acquisition of the "Shake It Off" singer's master recordings. Following this, Lovato announced that she would be taking a break from Instagram, sharing the message, "Taking a break for a while. Be kind."
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Kunal Nayyar
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Iggy Azalea
Azalea, the "Fancy" rapper, decided to delete both her Instagram and Twitter accounts in May 2019, right after revealing topless photos started to circulate. At that time, she chose not to address the incident publicly.
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Lil Xan
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Aidy Bryant
The SNL star discussed her decision to leave Twitter during a SXSW Q&A session for her movie Shrill. She stated, "Twitter is a toxic environment. What really surprised me and led to my departure was the constant influx of tweets whenever I portrayed Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Approximately 50 percent of these tweets came from conservative individuals who would hurl insults at me, labeling me as a repulsive and overweight individual unsuitable for the role of a strong, independent woman. The other 50 percent consisted of people claiming that I, Aidy, did not possess the physical appearance necessary to accurately portray a deceitful and obese person."
The rapper known as "Money" took a break from social media in February 2019 due to the backlash she received after winning the Best Rap Album Grammy, which sparked controversy as it was awarded posthumously to Mac Miller. Just before deactivating her Instagram account, she shared a cryptic message saying, "I used to desire this endlessly. Now, it's all yours!" Within only two days, Cardi returned from her self-proclaimed retirement to promote her latest collaboration with Bruno Mars.
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Will Poulter
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The Black Mirror: Bandersnatch star decided to step back from Twitter in January 2019 after the release of the interactive Netflix film. "We all know there's a delicate balance when it comes to our interactions on social media. There are positives to enjoy, but also unavoidable negatives that are best avoided. This balance has been a struggle for me for some time, and for the sake of my mental health, I believe it is time to change my relationship with social media," the actor shared on Twitter. He also mentioned that he would continue to post on behalf of organizations he collaborates with. "I consider it a privilege to have this platform. I hope that by reducing my personal expression and focusing more on issues that truly matter, it will lead to a better outcome for everyone. This is not the end. Think of it as an alternative path."
In January 2019, the singer made an announcement about stepping back from social media. She shared that facing unexpected personal challenges at the beginning of the year had inspired her to prioritize being present in her own life. She expressed the importance of embracing sadness and using it as an opportunity for personal growth. The singer emphasized her intention to practice what she preaches on stage and in her music by focusing on self-improvement. Consequently, she decided to take a break from all social media platforms for some time, with the intention of returning in the future. Going forward, any posts on her accounts will be work-related and managed by her team. She expressed a desire to live in the moment and minimize the influence of her phone on her life experiences. In closing, she sent her love to her followers, wished them a happy new year, and encouraged them to prioritize living their best lives.
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Lili Reinhart
The Riverdale actress had grown weary of receiving hate from "online trolls" and decided to bid farewell to Twitter. In December 2018, Reinhart made her departure known through a series of direct messages posted on her Instagram Story. She expressed her frustration, stating, "Do people on Twitter ever tire of their constant negativity and lack of respect towards everyone and everything? Are they genuinely that unhappy? There is hate everywhere, but Twitter seems to be a breeding ground for malicious 15-year-olds who spew uninformed opinions and have nothing constructive to contribute. Hence, I am taking a break from this toxic platform and the individuals who incessantly attack me, my fellow cast members, my relationship, and even Riverdale itself. To all the online trolls out there: Spreading your hate and overall negativity on the internet will not make you any less miserable."
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Kim Kardashian
Following her traumatic armed robbery incident in Paris in October 2016, the reality star took a three-month hiatus from her social media platforms and public appearances. However, she made a triumphant comeback in 2017 by sharing heartwarming family pictures on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Notable photos included one featuring her mother and another showcasing her husband, Kanye West, and their adorable son, Saint.
Ruby Rose
In August 2018, the actress from Orange Is the New Black made the decision to delete her Twitter account. This came after the news broke that she would be portraying Batwoman in CW's Arrowverse. Unfortunately, her fans were not happy with this choice. Rose took to Twitter to defend herself against critics who questioned her suitability for the role. She expressed her excitement to have more than 4 hours of sleep and to focus solely on her next 2 projects, while also making it clear that she would be taking a break from Twitter. In her tweet, she humorously mentioned that if anyone needed to contact her, she would be reachable through her Bat Phone.
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Pete Davidson
The internet has always had a complicated relationship with the famous Saturday Night Live actor. In the summer of 2018, during his whirlwind romance with Ariana Grande, he decided to delete his page, expressing his desire to distance himself from Instagram and other social media platforms. However, he made a comeback to Instagram in September, using it as a platform to promote the upcoming premiere episode of Saturday Night Live while simultaneously expressing his distaste for the internet. Unfortunately, after news broke about his breakup with Ariana Grande, he once again wiped his account clean in October. Despite the rollercoaster ride, he eventually returned to Instagram. Although he keeps his posts to a minimum, the comedian did share a powerful message in December, letting the haters know that no matter how hard they try to bring him down, he will never succumb to their wishes.
Millie Bobby Brown
In June 2018, the Twitter account of the Stranger Things star was deleted following the circulation of memes linking her to homophobic remarks and the trending hashtag #TakeDownMillieBobbyBrown.
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Kanye West
The rapper known as "Ghost Town" has a history of deactivating his social media accounts. In October 2018, after causing controversy with his pro-Donald Trump rant on Saturday Night Live and his calls to abolish the 13th amendment on Twitter, West decided to delete his pages. However, he eventually returned to social media during a vacation in Uganda later that same month, although he maintained a low profile. A year prior to that, West chose to shut down his Instagram account because it was not a healthy outlet for him, according to a source cited by Us.