Ye Apologizes for Antisemitic Remarks in Wall Street Journal Ad

Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, ran a full-page ad in Monday's Wall Street Journal to apologize for years of antisemitic comments and actions. He linked his behavior to a brain injury from a 2002 car crash and his bipolar disorder, saying these issues made him lose touch with reality. The ad came after a string of public outbursts that started in late 2022 and continued into last year.

Background

Ye's troubles with antisemitic remarks began in fall 2022. He posted on social media that he was going 'death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,' a threat that drew quick backlash. That kicked off a series of posts praising Adolf Hitler, embracing Nazi ideas, and attacking Jewish people. Brands like Adidas cut ties with him, ending big deals worth hundreds of millions. His comments split fans and hurt his career, but his music stayed popular online.

Over the next years, Ye kept making news. In 2025, he bought a Super Bowl ad to sell T-shirts with swastikas. He released a song called 'Heil Hitler,' which far-right figures played at events. He told a former Jewish employee he was a Nazi and compared himself to Hitler, leading to a lawsuit. Ye also backed phrases like 'White lives matter,' which upset many in the Black community that once supported him.

Ye has apologized before. In 2023, he said sorry but later took it back and called himself a Nazi. In May 2025, he declared he was done with antisemitism. Last November, he met an Orthodox rabbi in person to apologize. None of these stopped the controversy fully. Jewish groups stayed quiet or skeptical each time. Ye has always talked openly about his bipolar disorder. Last year, he said on a podcast it might be autism instead and that he stopped his meds. Days later, he posted more antisemitic tweets.

The ad marks his latest try to explain and make amends. It details a long fight with mental health, including a four-month manic episode early last year. He credits his wife, Bianca Censori, for pushing him to get help after hitting rock bottom. Ye found stories on Reddit from others with similar episodes, which helped him see his own path.

Key Details

In the ad, Ye describes a car accident 25 years ago that caused head trauma. Doctors only diagnosed it in 2023. He says the frontal-lobe injury damaged his mental health and led to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis. During manic times, he lost control.

“I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold t-shirts bearing it.”

Ye says his actions do not get a pass because of his condition. He denies being a Nazi or antisemite and says he loves Jewish people. He apologizes to those closest to him, saying he treated them the worst when detached from his true self. Some moments of poor judgment he cannot even recall.

Apology to Black Community

Ye also spoke to the Black community, calling it the foundation of who he is. They stuck by him through highs and lows, even after his Nazi embrace and Trump support. He regrets criticizing Black icons like Harriet Tubman and his 2020 presidential run meltdown. Many former allies left him after his comments.

He outlines his recovery plan: medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living. Ye wants to make positive art in music, clothing, and other areas to help the world. He performs often, with two concerts set this week in Mexico City. His social media, once full of antisemitic posts, went quiet after the ad ran.

Jewish groups gave measured responses. The Anti-Defamation League called it overdue but said it does not erase years of harm, like the song, tweets, swastikas, and Holocaust references. They wish him well if he stops the behavior. No other major groups commented right away.

Far-right figures keep using Ye's old posts. Candace Owens recently shared his 'death con 3' tweet, calling it a vibe. She pushes conspiracy theories tying Israel to other events.

What This Means

Ye's ad starts talks about mental health in public figures. It shows how untreated issues can lead to harm, especially with fame and power. Some see it as a step toward accountability, forcing real talk on ego, silence, and recovery. Others doubt it, given his history of backtracking.

For the Jewish community, pain from Ye's words lingers. His influence means his remarks fuel antisemitism online and among influencers. The Black community faces its own questions about supporting him amid his regrets.

Ye's career hangs in balance. Lost deals hurt his finances, but fans stream his music. Upcoming shows test if audiences forgive. Recovery takes time; he asks for patience as he works to earn trust. Brands and collaborators watch closely. If he sticks to treatment, it could rebuild bridges. Past apologies failed, so actions matter most now.

This move fits Ye's pattern of big, public gestures. From swastika shirts to Journal ads, he grabs attention. Mental health experts note bipolar episodes can cause impulsivity, but responsibility stays with the person. Ye's story highlights needs for better diagnosis and care, especially after trauma like his crash.

Supporters hope this is real change. He focuses on family, art, and health. Wife Bianca's role shows personal stakes. Reddit communities offer hope through shared stories. Still, harm done affects real people. Forgiveness, if it comes, will come slow.

Ye performs amid this. Mexico City crowds will show early reaction. Social media silence suggests focus on healing. World waits to see if words turn to lasting steps.