Kanye West issues apology ahead of new album release

American rapper Kanye West has offered a public apology to Black and Jewish communities over his past offensive remarks and actions, just days before the release of his new album.

West made the apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, where he published an open letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.” The statement comes ahead of the release of his upcoming album, Bully, scheduled for January 30. The project follows his 2024 album, VULTURES 1.

In the letter, the 48-year-old artist attributed some of his past behaviour to injuries sustained in a car accident, which he said were not properly diagnosed at the time.

“At the time, the focus was on the visible damage, the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma,” West wrote. “The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.”

He explained that comprehensive scans and neurological examinations were not conducted, and the possibility of a frontal-lobe injury was never considered until 2023. According to him, the delayed diagnosis significantly affected his mental health and later led to a bipolar type-1 diagnosis.

West admitted that he initially struggled to accept his condition, noting that manic episodes often make sufferers unaware of their illness.

“When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting,” he said.

He described the condition as deceptive and dangerous, adding that it made him feel powerful and unstoppable while blinding him to the harm he was causing.

The rapper also acknowledged the emotional damage his actions caused those closest to him.

“Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst,” he wrote.

Addressing his antisemitic actions, West admitted that he embraced destructive symbols during a period of mental instability, including the use of the swastika and the sale of clothing bearing it.

“One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments, many of which I still cannot recall, that led to poor judgment and reckless behaviour,” he said, adding that he was deeply ashamed of his actions.

He stressed that while his condition does not excuse his behaviour, he does not identify as a Nazi or antisemite and expressed love for Jewish people.

West revealed that his wife, Bianca Censori, whom he married in 2023, encouraged him to seek medical help after he reached what he described as “rock bottom.”

The rapper, who was previously married to reality TV star Kim Kardashian, with whom he shares four children, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm, said he found support in online communities, particularly on Reddit, where he connected with others facing similar struggles.

He also acknowledged the influence he wields as a public figure, noting that he lost sight of the global impact of his words and actions during manic episodes.

West said he is now focused on recovery and personal growth, supported by medication, therapy, exercise and healthier living. He added that he is channeling his energy into positive and meaningful creative work across music, fashion and design.

Concluding the letter, he appealed for patience and understanding as he works toward change.

“I’m not asking for sympathy or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness,” he wrote. “I simply ask for patience and understanding as I find my way home.”

The apology comes months after reports that West met with New York-based Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, during which he expressed regret over his past comments.