American rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, has issued a public apology for his past antisemitic remarks, attributing his controversial behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury sustained in a 2002 car accident.
In a full-page advertisement published in The Wall Street Journal titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” the 48-year-old musician said a frontal-lobe injury from the crash went unnoticed for more than two decades, significantly affecting his mental health and judgment.
West explained that medical attention at the time focused on visible injuries, including a broken jaw, while deeper neurological damage was overlooked. According to him, the injury was not properly diagnosed until 2023, contributing to what was later identified as bipolar type-1 disorder.
He described bipolar disorder as a serious and debilitating condition that impairs self-awareness, often convincing those affected that they do not need help even as their behaviour becomes increasingly reckless. West said this loss of insight played a major role in his public outbursts and offensive statements.
The rapper acknowledged that during periods of mania, he lost touch with reality and made decisions he now finds deeply troubling, including using antisemitic imagery and comments that drew widespread condemnation.
“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find,” he said, referring to his past use of the swastika. However, West stressed that those actions did not reflect his true beliefs, insisting that he is neither a Nazi nor an antisemite.
“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions,” he wrote, adding that he takes full responsibility for the harm caused. He apologised directly to Jewish people and the Black community, saying he had let down those who supported him throughout his career.
West also revealed that in early 2025, he experienced a prolonged manic episode marked by paranoia and impulsive behaviour, which he said nearly destroyed his personal life. He credited his wife with encouraging him to seek professional help during that period.
The musician said he is now undergoing treatment, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes, and is focusing his energy on positive creative work. He appealed for patience and understanding as he works toward recovery, while emphasising that his apology is not an excuse for his past conduct.
West has faced repeated backlash over the years for antisemitic comments, including remarks made in 2022 that led to the termination of major business partnerships, most notably with Adidas.