Controversial American rapper and producer Kanye West has issued a sweeping public apology to the Black and Jewish communities for his past offensive remarks and actions. The apology was published as a full-page letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt” in The Wall Street Journal, just days before the scheduled release of his new album, Bully, on January 30.
In the lengthy statement, the 48-year-old artist, now known as Ye, linked a significant portion of his past erratic behavior to an undiagnosed frontal lobe injury sustained in a 2002 car accident. He claimed the injury was not properly diagnosed until 2023 and contributed to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis.
“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,” West wrote. He specifically addressed his antisemitic conduct, stating, “In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika... I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
West credited his wife, Bianca Censori, with encouraging him to seek help after hitting “rock bottom” months ago. He expressed a commitment to accountability, treatment, and positive change through medication, therapy, and clean living.
The rapper concluded his letter by asking for patience and understanding, not sympathy or a free pass. “I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home. With love, Ye,” he signed off. The apology follows a reported meeting with a New York rabbi last year where he expressed similar regrets.
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