Kanye West Issues Rare Apology, Links Antisemitic Remarks to Bipolar Disorder

Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has issued a rare public apology, acknowledging the harm caused by his antisemitic remarks and controversial behaviour over the past several years. In an open letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt”, West attributed his actions to untreated mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder, which he said caused him to lose touch with reality.

The apology was published as a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal and was reportedly paid for by West’s fashion brand, Yeezy. In the letter, the 48-year-old artist expressed remorse for the pain he caused individuals, communities and those closest to him, stating that his behaviour stemmed from a prolonged period of unmanaged mental illness.

West traced the roots of his condition to a serious car accident in 2002, which he said resulted in a fractured jaw and an injury to the right frontal lobe of his brain. According to the letter, the neurological impact of the accident went undetected for years and was only properly identified in 2023, eventually leading to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder type 1.

He described how manic episodes distorted his perception of reality, creating a false sense of clarity, confidence and invincibility. During these phases, West said he believed others were overreacting while he alone understood the truth, only later realising that he had completely lost control of his judgement.

Addressing public perceptions, West spoke about being labelled “crazy” and feeling alienated as a result. He criticised the casual way bipolar disorder is often mocked or trivialised, noting that medical research shows people with the condition have a significantly reduced life expectancy. He admitted that the illness convinced him he did not need help and instead reinforced destructive behaviour.

The rapper expressed regret for the personal damage caused by his actions, particularly to his family. He acknowledged that he hurt those closest to him, including his four children with former spouse Kim Kardashian, admitting that his refusal to seek treatment worsened relationships and intensified conflict.

West directly addressed his antisemitic remarks, calling them one of the darkest outcomes of his fractured mental state. He said his condition led him toward extreme and offensive symbolism, including the use of Nazi imagery, which he described as reckless and deeply wrong. He claimed that he has limited recollection of parts of that period, attributing memory gaps to his illness.

The apology comes after years of public backlash. In 2022, West faced widespread condemnation after making explicit antisemitic threats, which led to major brands cutting ties with him, including Adidas ending its lucrative partnership with Yeezy. Since then, his public image and business empire have suffered significant damage.

Further controversy followed in 2025 when a former Yeezy employee filed a lawsuit alleging antisemitic harassment and intimidation. West was ordered to pay substantial legal fees while the case continues. He has also drawn criticism for defending disgraced public figures and posting inflammatory content on social media platforms.

In his letter, West did not attempt to excuse his actions but framed the apology as an acknowledgment of accountability and harm. He said recognising the damage he caused was a necessary step toward recovery and responsibility.

The statement marks one of the most direct expressions of remorse from West in recent years, as discussions around mental health, accountability and the limits of public tolerance for harmful speech continue to evolve.