Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, published a full-page advertisement in Monday's edition of The Wall Street Journal to apologize for his antisemitic remarks and actions over recent years. In the 750-word letter, he explains his behavior by pointing to a brain injury from a 2002 car accident and a severe manic episode in early 2025, saying he lost touch with reality and did things he deeply regrets. The ad comes as Ye prepares to release new music.
Background
Ye's troubles with antisemitic statements started gaining wide attention in late 2022. That year, he posted on social media that he loved Adolf Hitler and called himself a Nazi. He went on to praise Hitler and make threats against Jewish people. These outbursts led to major fallout in his career. Brands like Adidas cut ties with him, and he lost deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The comments did not stop there. In the years that followed, Ye kept using Nazi symbols. In 2025, he sold T-shirts with swastikas printed on them for $20 each. He also released a single called 'Heil Hitler,' which drew sharp criticism. A lawsuit filed last year by a former employee, who is Jewish, claimed Ye told him he was a Nazi and compared himself to Hitler.
Ye has a long history with mental health issues. He received a bipolar type-1 diagnosis after the 2002 car crash, which he says caused a frontal-lobe injury. He has spoken publicly about this for over a decade. Last year, he said on a podcast that he believes he has autism, not bipolar disorder, and stopped his medication. Days later, he posted more antisemitic messages on X, formerly Twitter, along with calls to free Sean 'Diddy' Combs and claims of control over his wife, Bianca Censori.
Months ago, Ye met with a rabbi in New York City to say sorry in person. He has thanked X owner Elon Musk for letting him post freely, calling it cathartic. Despite the backlash, Ye has continued to stir debate with his words and actions.
Key Details
The Wall Street Journal ad is titled 'To Those I've Hurt.' Ye opens by describing the 2002 accident that left him with lasting brain damage. He writes that this led to his bipolar diagnosis and later episodes where he acted out of control.
“I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret.”
He admits to gravitating toward the swastika as the most destructive symbol during his worst moments. Ye says some people he loves most suffered the most from his behavior. They faced fear, confusion, and exhaustion from dealing with someone who seemed unrecognizable.
Mental Health Journey
Ye details a four-month manic episode in early 2025 filled with psychotic, paranoid, and impulsive actions that wrecked his life. He hit rock bottom and thought about not wanting to be here anymore. With help from his wife, Bianca Censori, he sought treatment. Now, he follows a routine of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living. He has found support on Reddit from others sharing manic and depressive stories.
Ye denies being a Nazi or antisemite. He says,
“I love Jewish people.”
He also apologizes to the Black community, calling it the foundation of who he is. He regrets letting them down after they supported him through highs and lows.
Ye commits to accountability and change. He plans to focus on positive art through music, clothing, and other projects to help the world. He is not asking for sympathy or a free pass, but for forgiveness and patience as he rebuilds.
What This Means
This apology arrives at a turning point for Ye. Spotify has announced a new album from him, signaling a possible comeback. His past actions cost him partnerships and drew lawsuits, but the ad shows an effort to address the damage. Fans and critics will watch if his words lead to lasting change.
The music world has seen other artists face similar scrutiny for controversial statements. Ye's case highlights how mental health plays into public behavior. His openness about bipolar disorder, a possible autism diagnosis, and treatment could spark more talk about support for those in the spotlight.
Jewish groups have spoken out against Ye's past remarks, calling them harmful. His apology directly addresses them, but rebuilding trust will take time. The Black community, which he credits for his success, now hears his regret for disappointing them.
Ye's ad in a major paper like the Wall Street Journal reaches business leaders and a wide audience. It differs from his social media posts by being planned and printed. Whether this shifts public view remains to be seen. His focus on new music suggests he aims to return to creating without the chaos.
For Ye's family, the ad notes the strain on those closest to him. Bianca Censori encouraged his treatment, and he speaks of mending ties with loved ones. His professional ventures, like Yeezy clothing, faced boycotts, but he now pledges positive work.
This move comes amid ongoing legal matters, like the Diddy case he commented on. Ye's path forward involves balancing recovery with his public life. The ad marks a public step toward accountability after years of turmoil.
