American rapper and record producer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, publicly apologised on Monday for a series of anti-Semitic remarks that have drawn years of criticism. Taking out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, Ye said he had “lost touch with reality” due to undiagnosed brain injuries and bipolar disorder, which he said contributed to his past behaviour.
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“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change,” he wrote. Ye also clarified, “I am not a Nazi or an anti-Semite. I love Jewish people,” and expressed remorse for past expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler and swastika imagery.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described the apology as overdue, noting Ye’s long history of anti-Semitic remarks, including songs, social media posts, and symbolic references. The ADL said the truest apology would be for Ye to refrain from future anti-Semitic behaviour and wished him well in his recovery.
Ye (fka Kanye West) has issued a formal apology in The Wall Street Journal
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people” pic.twitter.com/M70U9ZiZag
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) January 26, 2026
Ye reflected on his struggles with bipolar type-1 disorder, which he said stemmed from a 25-year-old car accident that caused brain injury, only diagnosed in 2023. He described being in “a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour” in early 2025 that disrupted his personal and professional life.
He also addressed the black community, expressing appreciation and apology: “I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.” Previously, Ye had claimed he was on the autism spectrum, but he said engaging with others experiencing mania helped him understand his chronic mood disorder.
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Ye’s next album, Bully, is scheduled for release on Friday. The rapper emphasised that while his apology does not erase past actions, he is committed to mental health treatment and accountability.