American rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, has issued a public apology for his past antisemitic remarks, attributing his actions to an undiagnosed brain injury and untreated mental health challenges.
West made the apology in a full-page advertisement published on Monday, January 26, in The Wall Street Journal. The letter, titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” described what he called a long and devastating health battle that he said caused him to lose touch with reality and engage in destructive behaviour. The advertisement was signed by West and noted as paid for by Yeezy.
In the letter, West claimed he sustained a brain injury to his right frontal lobe during a car accident 25 years ago, an injury he said went undetected at the time. He alleged that the medical oversight contributed to serious mental health issues, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder type-1, which he said was only properly identified in 2023.
According to West, the condition led him to periods of mania during which he felt detached from reality and exercised poor judgment. He described bipolar disorder as a debilitating illness marked by denial and distorted perception, noting that sufferers often believe they are thinking clearly while losing grip on reality.
West said he fell into a four-month manic episode in early 2025 that he claimed “destroyed” his life. He credited his wife, Bianca Censori, with encouraging him to seek professional help after reaching what he described as rock bottom. He added that he is now undergoing treatment involving medication, therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Addressing his antisemitic outbursts, West said he gravitated toward “the most destructive symbols” during his manic episodes, including the swastika, and admitted selling merchandise bearing the symbol. He described those actions as an “out-of-body experience” and said he deeply regretted them.
“I am not a Nazi or antisemite. I love Jewish people,” he wrote, adding that while his illness may explain his behaviour, it does not excuse it. He said he is committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.
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West also apologised to the Black community, saying he was sorry for letting them down and acknowledging their role as the foundation of his identity. He noted that he has found support through online forums and said gaining perspective from others with similar experiences helped him realise he was not alone.
He concluded the letter by asking for patience rather than sympathy, stating that he hopes to earn forgiveness as he works toward recovery and refocuses his creative energy on positive and meaningful projects.
West’s antisemitic remarks, which began in late 2022, led to widespread backlash and the termination of several major business relationships, including partnerships with Adidas, Balenciaga, and GAP. His former bank, JP Morgan, and his management agency, Creative Artists Agency, also cut ties with him following the controversy.