Rapper and fashion designer Kanye West, popularly known as Ye, has issued fresh public apologies to both the Black and Jewish communities over past remarks that sparked global outrage, while also confirming that he is seeking treatment for bipolar disorder.
The apology marks a notable shift in tone for the Grammy-winning artist, whose inflammatory statements over the past several years resulted in widespread backlash, corporate fallout and renewed scrutiny of his mental health.
West’s apology to the Jewish community comes after his widely condemned antisemitic remarks made in 2022, which led to the collapse of key business partnerships, including his lucrative Yeezy deal with Adidas, as well as ties with Balenciaga and Gap.
In a statement previously shared on social media — notably written in Hebrew — West expressed regret for his comments, saying he did not intend to offend or harm Jewish people.
“I sincerely apologise to the Jewish community for my words and actions,” West said, adding that he was committed to learning from the experience and promoting unity rather than division.
Jewish organisations and civil rights groups had strongly criticised West’s remarks, warning that his language risked normalising antisemitism at a time when hate crimes against Jewish communities were rising globally.
West also addressed criticism from the Black community, acknowledging that some of his past statements were hurtful and dismissive of historical and systemic injustices faced by Black Americans.
Among the remarks that sparked backlash were comments questioning the legacy of slavery and statements that many interpreted as echoing narratives commonly used to minimise racial oppression.
In his latest remarks, West admitted that his words caused pain within the community that helped shape his career.
“I take responsibility for hurting my own people,” he said, according to excerpts from recent statements shared online.
Civil rights activists, historians and fellow artists had previously condemned West’s remarks, saying they undermined decades of struggle against racial inequality.
Central to West’s renewed public statement is his acknowledgement of his bipolar disorder diagnosis, which he first revealed in 2018.
Over the years, West has spoken openly about living with bipolar disorder, at times describing it as a “superpower,” while also admitting that he has refused medication in the past, claiming it interfered with his creativity.
In a shift from earlier positions, West has now confirmed that he is actively seeking treatment for the condition.
“I’m getting help,” he said, adding that unmanaged mental health challenges contributed to impulsive behaviour and controversial public outbursts.
West’s controversial remarks triggered severe professional consequences. Once considered a billionaire, largely due to the success of his Yeezy brand, he lost a significant portion of his wealth after major companies severed ties with him.
Adidas alone ended its partnership in October 2022, citing West’s antisemitic statements. The move resulted in massive financial losses for both parties and marked one of the most high-profile corporate breakups in entertainment history.
Despite the fallout, West has continued to release music independently and remains one of the most influential — and polarising — figures in global pop culture.
Reaction to West’s latest apology has been mixed. Some fans and commentators have welcomed the statements as a step toward accountability, particularly his willingness to seek medical treatment.
Others remain sceptical, noting that West has apologised in the past only to later repeat controversial behaviour.