Ye (Kanye West) Issues Apology for Antisemitic Remarks in Wall Street Journal Ad

Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has issued a public apology for his past antisemitic remarks. On January 26, he took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, acknowledging the harm caused by his words and actions.

Admission of Past Mistakes

In the ad, Ye admitted he had “lost touch with reality,” attributing his behaviour to untreated bipolar disorder and an undiagnosed brain injury from a car accident 25 years ago. He explained that the injury was only properly identified in 2023.

“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state,” Ye wrote. “I am committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change.”

Controversial History

Ye’s apology follows years of controversy. He previously made antisemitic statements on social media, including posts referencing Jewish control narratives, swastika imagery, and praise for Adolf Hitler. In October 2022, he wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt at Paris Fashion Week and later posted that he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people,” leading to suspensions from Twitter and Instagram. His accounts were reinstated eight months later after Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform now known as X.

Clarification and Regret

In his latest statement, Ye stressed that his diagnosis does not excuse his behaviour. “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” he wrote. “I love Jewish people.” He also expressed regret for past praise of Hitler and the use of Nazi symbolism.

Ye described the effects of bipolar disorder, noting that manic episodes can create a false sense of clarity while a person is “losing [their] grip entirely.” He revealed that a four-month manic episode in early 2025 involving “psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour” had “destroyed” his life. He admitted to hitting “rock bottom” and experiencing thoughts of not wanting “to be here anymore.”

Global Fallout

The fallout from Ye’s remarks has been significant. In 2025, Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed Ye had been denied a visa following the release of an antisemitic song. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described his apology as overdue, stressing that it does not erase the damage caused. “The truest apology would be for him to not engage in antisemitic behaviour in the future,” an ADL spokesperson said.

Addressing Communities and Moving Forward

Ye also addressed the Black community in his ad, apologising for past actions and pledging to rebuild trust. His next album, Bully, is currently listed on Spotify for release on Friday, marking his first major project since the controversy. Whether his apology will lead to redemption remains uncertain, but the statement signals an attempt to confront his past and reshape his public image.