Ye Issues Apology for Antisemitism,Nazi Symbolism in Full-Page Wall Street Journal Ad
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A sweeping apology from the artist formerly known as Kanye West,now legally Ye,appeared Monday in a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal,addressing years of controversy stemming from his past actions and outlined a path toward accountability and recovery.
The advertisement represents a meaningful attempt by Ye to publicly address the fallout from a period of increasingly erratic and offensive behavior that began in late 2022. He attributes his actions, in part, to a bipolar type-1 diagnosis stemming from injuries sustained in a 2002 car accident, specifically a frontal-lobe injury.
A descent into Controversy
Ye detailed how, during periods of mental health crisis, he “gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika.” He acknowledged a loss of touch with reality and expressed remorse for the pain he inflicted. “I said and did things I deeply regret,” he wrote.
The musicianS public descent into controversy began with a series of antisemitic posts on social media in late 2022, including threats of violence against Jewish people. This was followed by further escalations in subsequent years, including the sale of a swastika-bearing T-shirt in 2025 and the release of a single titled “Heil Hitler.” A lawsuit filed last year alleges that Ye told a Jewish former employee he was a “Nazi” and likened himself to Adolf Hitler.
acknowledging harm and Seeking Forgiveness
Ye’s apology extends beyond the Jewish community, acknowledging the harm he caused to those closest to him. “some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst,” he stated, describing the fear, confusion, and humiliation endured by those around him.He admitted to becoming “detached from my true self” during periods of “poor judgment and reckless behavior,” some of which he claims to not recall.
He explicitly denied being a Nazi or antisemite, stating he is “committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.” Ye also apologized to the Black community, which he described as “the foundation of who I am.”
Mental Health and a Path Forward
The advertisement reveals ye experienced a “four-month manic episode of psychotic,paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life” early last year,during which he contemplated suicide. He credits his wife, Bianca Censori, with encouraging him to seek help, and has found support within online communities, specifically citing Reddit as a space where he connected with others experiencing similar mental health challenges.
Ye now reports a routine of medication, therapy, exercise, and “clean living” has brought him “much-needed clarity.” He is focusing on “positive, meaningful art,” including music and clothing, with the goal of contributing positively to the world. he emphasized he is not seeking “sympathy, or a free pass,” but rather “forgiveness and patience as I find my way home.”
Shifting Diagnoses and Continued Scrutiny
Previously, Ye publicly discussed his mental health, suggesting a diagnosis of autism during an appearance on “The Download” podcast last year. At that time, he also stated he had discontinued his bipolar medication, believing the initial diagnosis was incorrect. This decision was quickly followed by a renewed wave of antisemitic posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he thanked Elon Musk for providing a platform. “It has been very cathartic to use the world as a sounding board,” he said at the time.
The Wall Street Journal advertisement marks a new chapter in Ye’s ongoing story, one that hinges on his commitment to accountability and sustained mental health treatment. Weather this apology will be enough to repair the damage caused by his past actions remains to be seen.
