Ye Issues Apology for Antisemitic Remarks

Ye, previously known as Kanye West, has publicly apologized for his past antisemitic comments and erratic behavior in a full-page ad featured in Monday’s Wall Street Journal. He attributes much of this behavior to untreated bipolar disorder.

Back in 2023, West extended an apology to the Jewish community, but he later undermined it during what representatives called a manic episode in early 2025, characterized by controversial actions and statements, including selling swastika merchandise and a song with Nazi references.

In November 2025, he reportedly met privately with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto in New York, where he expressed “profound remorse” regarding his previous comments about Jewish people.

In the advertisement, titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” Ye reflects on his past antisemitic remarks and connects them to his struggles with bipolar disorder, identifying as having bipolar type-1 and noting a potential undiagnosed brain injury from a car accident in 2002.

He recounted the accident, which resulted in a jaw injury and damage to the frontal lobe of his brain, claiming that the long-missed neurological issues worsened his mental health and contributed to his diagnosis.

Describing his condition, West mentioned experiencing significant manic episodes that skewed his perception, making him feel as if he understood the world more clearly than ever, even while losing touch with reality.

The open letter also touched upon various controversies, such as Adidas terminating its partnership with Yeezy after West issued a disturbing threat in 2022. More recently, he faced a lawsuit from a former employee who alleged he made offensive comparisons to Hitler and wrongfully terminated her based on her Jewish identity. Currently, West is ordered to pay over $76,000 in legal fees, but the case remains unresolved.

In 2025, he caused further controversy by defending Sean “Diddy” Combs amid legal troubles and posting a rant praising Hitler, which led to his dismissal from talent agency 33&West.

In his letter, West spoke of the stigma surrounding mental illness, expressing a feeling of being “labeled crazy” and unable to make significant contributions to society. He noted research findings from the World Health Organization and Cambridge University about the effects of bipolar disorder, including lower life expectancy.

He admitted that his illness led him to believe he was “unstoppable,” putting off seeking treatment. Reflecting on his behavior, he wrote, “I lost touch with reality,” acknowledging that ignoring his condition caused significant harm to himself and others. He conveyed regret for the pain he caused his loved ones, admitting to moments of becoming unrecognizable.

West described how his deteriorating mental state drew him toward harmful symbols, recognizing that selling such items demonstrated “poor judgement and reckless behavior.”

In a vulnerable tone, he stated, “I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.” He stressed that he does not identify as a Nazi or an antisemite, expressing love for Jewish people.

Addressing the Black community, he emphasized, “I love us,” and acknowledged letting them down. He detailed a chaotic four-month manic episode in 2025, during which he struggled significantly, even feeling suicidal at times. West credited his current wife, Bianca Censori, for encouraging him to seek help after a breaking point, mentioning that he found comfort in online communities discussing bipolar experiences.

Now on a stable regimen of treatment, including medication and therapy, West claims to have attained clarity and aims to focus on “positive, meaningful art” moving forward.

In closing his letter, he requested patience and understanding from the public as he seeks to improve himself.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) responded to his apology on social media, noting that while it was long overdue, it doesn’t erase the history of his antisemitic actions. They insisted that true reconciliation would mean a commitment to avoiding such behavior in the future and expressed wishes for his recovery.