American rapper Kanye West has issued a public apology to Black and Jewish communities over his past offensive remarks and actions, just days before the release of his new album, Bully.
Gatekeepers News reports that West made the apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, where he published an open letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.” The album is scheduled for release on January 30 and follows his 2024 project, VULTURES 1.
In the emotional letter, the 48-year-old rapper linked his controversial behaviour to untreated injuries he sustained after a car accident.
“At the time, the focus was on the visible damage—the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed,” he wrote.
According to West, comprehensive neurological checks were not carried out at the time, which delayed the diagnosis of his mental health condition.
“Comprehensive scans were not done, neurological exams were limited, and the possibility of a frontal-lobe injury was never raised. It wasn’t properly diagnosed until 2023. That medical oversight caused serious damage to my mental health and led to my bipolar type-1 diagnosis.”
West said he initially struggled to accept his condition.
“When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting.”
He described bipolar disorder as deceptive and dangerous.
“The scariest thing about this disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you: You don’t need help. It makes you blind, but convinced you have insight. You feel powerful, certain, unstoppable.”
Admitting the harm caused by his actions, West wrote:
“Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst.”
Addressing his antisemitic conduct, he said:
“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it.”
He added:
“One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments – many of which I still cannot recall – that led to poor judgment and reckless behavior that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body-experience. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
West revealed that his wife, Bianca Censori, whom he married in 2023, encouraged him to seek medical help.
“Hitting rock bottom a few months ago, my wife encouraged me to finally get help,” he said.
The rapper was previously married to reality television star Kim Kardashian. Their marriage ended in 2022, and they share four children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.
He also said he found comfort in online communities, particularly on Reddit.
“It’s not just me who ruins their entire life once a year despite taking meds every day and being told by the so-called best doctors in the world that I am not bipolar, but merely experiencing ‘symptoms of autism.’”
Acknowledging his influence, West said:
“My words as a leader in my community have global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that.”
He said he is now focused on healthier living and positive creative work.
“As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world.”
West concluded the letter with an appeal for patience.
“I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home.
With love, Ye.”
The apology comes months after West reportedly met with New York-based Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, where he also expressed regret over his past comments.
