Ye Issues New Public Apology for Antisemitic Remarks, Citing Mental Health Struggles
In a full-page advertisement published in The Wall Street Journal on Monday, January 26, 2026, the artist legally known as Ye, formerly Kanye West, issued a public apology for his extensive history of antisemitic comments and imagery. The move marks the latest attempt by the controversial figure to address the widespread condemnation and professional fallout that followed his inflammatory statements over the past two years.
The advertisement, addressed "To Those I've Hurt," features Ye stating, "I am not a Nazi or antisemite. I love Jewish people." He attributed his past "impulsive" and "reckless behavior" to an undiagnosed brain injury sustained in a 2002 car accident, coupled with his bipolar diagnosis. While citing these health struggles, Ye explicitly acknowledged that they "do not excuse what I did," and expressed deep mortification and a commitment to "accountability, treatment, and meaningful change." The apology also extended to the Black community, whom he acknowledged as the "foundation of who I am."
A History of Hateful Rhetoric and Escalating Controversy
Ye's public descent into antisemitism began in earnest in late 2022, triggering a cascade of negative reactions and severe professional repercussions. In October 2022, he posted a now-infamous tweet stating he would go "death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE." This initial outburst was followed by an appearance on Alex Jones' "Infowars" in December 2022, where Ye denied the Holocaust, proclaimed himself a Nazi, and declared his love for Adolf Hitler.
The controversy did not subside in 2025. In February of that year, Ye reportedly posted additional antisemitic statements, including "I'm a Nazi" and "Some of my best friends are Jewish and I don't trust any of them." He also advertised and sold T-shirts bearing a black swastika on his website. May 2025 saw the release of a song titled "Heil Hitler (Hooligan Version)," which sampled Hitler's speeches and contained Nazi imagery. This was further exacerbated by a Twitch livestream where he was seen giving a Nazi salute and shouting "Heil Hitler" before his eventual ban from the platform. These incidents were preceded by the rapper wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt at a Paris Fashion Week show in October 2022, a phrase identified by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a white supremacist slogan.
Profound Repercussions and Financial Fallout
The impact of Ye's antisemitic tirades was swift and severe, leading to the termination of lucrative partnerships that had underpinned his fashion and business empire. Major corporations, including Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, severed ties with the artist in late 2022. Universal Music Group also ended its association with him.
The economic consequences were substantial. Ye publicly stated that his wealth plummeted by an estimated $2 billion in a single day as companies distanced themselves. Adidas alone, which had a highly successful Yeezy footwear partnership with Ye, announced an expected hit of up to 250 million euros to its net income in 2022 from the decision to stop production and payments. Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas, later described the breakup as "very sad" and acknowledged the company "lost that business," which was immensely profitable. Beyond financial losses, his rhetoric fueled a rise in antisemitic incidents, with the ADL reporting at least 30 incidents directly referencing Ye in early 2023. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has consistently condemned his actions and urged industry leaders to deny him platforms for promoting hate.
Previous Attempts at Contrition and Lingering Skepticism
Monday's Wall Street Journal advertisement is not Ye's first expression of remorse. In December 2023, he posted an apology in Hebrew on his Instagram page, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions. It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused." He pledged to "learn from this experience" and promote "unity." That same month, he also reportedly met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto to discuss accountability.
The Anti-Defamation League welcomed his 2023 apology as an "initial act of contrition," but emphasized that "actions will speak louder than words." Indeed, the subsequent incidents of 2025, such as the swastika T-shirts and "Heil Hitler" song, undermined the sincerity of these earlier statements. The latest apology, which frames his actions within the context of his mental health and an undiagnosed brain injury, has ignited renewed discussions about the interplay between mental illness and personal accountability. While some view it as a crucial step toward addressing mental health, others remain skeptical, pointing to the continued spread of his hateful content and his sustained performance schedule, including upcoming concerts in Mexico City.
Conclusion: A Path Forward Amidst Lingering Questions
Ye's latest apology in a prominent national publication marks another significant moment in his tumultuous public narrative. While offering an explanation rooted in personal health struggles and expressing regret, the apology arrives after a protracted period of deeply offensive and harmful rhetoric that had tangible consequences for his career and contributed to a rise in antisemitism.
The sincerity of his latest statement, and its potential to translate into sustained positive change, will be closely scrutinized by the Jewish community, former business partners, and the broader public. The journey toward true reconciliation and rebuilding trust remains a complex path, paved with the expectation that future actions will genuinely reflect a commitment to amends and understanding, rather than a cyclical pattern of offense and apology.
