Kanye West Issues Public Apology for Antisemitic Behaviour in Wall Street Journal Ad
Kanye West, the rapper and fashion designer now legally known as Ye, has taken a significant step towards accountability by publishing a full-page apology in the Wall Street Journal. In the advert, he addresses his past antisemitic actions, including selling swastika T-shirts and releasing a song praising Hitler, while firmly denying he is a Nazi or antisemite.
Attributing Actions to Bipolar Disorder and Undiagnosed Brain Injury
In a letter titled "To Those I've Hurt," West attributes his inflammatory behaviour to bipolar type-1 disorder, which he says developed from a frontal-lobe injury sustained in a car crash in 2002. He explains that this injury went undiagnosed until 2023, leading to serious mental health issues. West describes how the disorder caused him to "lose touch with reality," prompting him to gravitate towards destructive symbols like the swastika.
He writes candidly about the challenges of bipolar disorder, noting its high mortality rate comparable to severe diseases like heart disease and cancer. West highlights how denial is a key defence mechanism of the condition, making individuals feel powerful and unstoppable during manic episodes, even as they lose grip on reality.
Recent Controversies and Impact
Despite a previous apology in 2023, West's actions in early 2025 reignited controversy. He sold swastika T-shirts, leading Shopify to remove his webstore, and released a song called Heil Hitler, which was banned in Germany but went viral online. The song prompted rightwing influencers to make Nazi salutes in a Miami Beach nightclub, and West engaged in Holocaust-denial.
West expresses deep regret for these actions, stating they do not excuse his behaviour. He also apologises to the Black community for past comments, such as suggesting slavery was "a choice," and for wearing a "white lives matter" T-shirt.
Personal Struggles and Path to Recovery
West details a four-month manic episode in early 2025 that led to suicidal ideation and destroyed aspects of his life. He credits his wife, Bianca Censori, with encouraging him to seek help after hitting rock bottom. Finding solace in Reddit forums, he realised he was not alone in his struggles with manic and depressive episodes.
Through medication, therapy, exercise, and "clean living," West says he has found clarity and is channelling his energy into positive art. His upcoming album, Bully, has faced multiple delays but remains a focus for his creative efforts.
Conclusion and Call for Understanding
West concludes by not asking for sympathy or a free pass but for patience and understanding as he works towards forgiveness. He emphasises his commitment to accountability and meaningful change, hoping to rebuild trust with those he has hurt.
In the US, mental health support is available by calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org. In the UK, Mind can be reached on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In Australia, Beyond Blue is available on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and MensLine on 1300 789 978.
