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Kanye West apologizes for antisemitic behavior in Wall Street Journal advertisement

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Los Angeles Times
January 26, 2026 10:55 PM
YoyoFeed Summarized

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has published a full-page apology in The Wall Street Journal, expressing regret for his antisemitic remarks and public embrace of Nazi symbolism. He attributes some of his actions to a frontal-lobe injury sustained in a 2002 car accident, which he believes led to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis. Ye stated that during manic episodes, he "gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika" and "lost touch with reality," leading to regrettable words and deeds.

Despite facing significant scrutiny and professional setbacks in late 2022 for his controversial statements and embrace of white supremacy, Ye continued to use Nazi imagery, including selling a swastika-bearing T-shirt and releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler" in 2025. A lawsuit filed last year also alleged that he told a Jewish former employee he was a "Nazi" and compared himself to Adolf Hitler. Ye acknowledged mistreating loved ones and expressed remorse for causing fear, confusion, and humiliation.

He described a four-month manic episode early last year that he said "destroyed my life," during which he experienced suicidal thoughts. After hitting "rock bottom," Ye began seeking help with encouragement from his wife, Bianca Censori, and found support in online communities. He stated he is committed to accountability, treatment, and change, while denying being a Nazi or antisemite. Ye also apologized to the Black community and is focusing on his recovery through medication, therapy, exercise, and "clean living," aiming to create positive art and seeking forgiveness and patience.

What specific event does Kanye West attribute his problematic behavior to?
Kanye West attributes some of his problematic behavior to a frontal-lobe injury sustained in a 2002 car accident, which he believes led to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis and subsequent manic episodes.
What actions has Kanye West taken that led to public scrutiny?
Kanye West faced scrutiny for his social media attacks on Jewish people, public embrace of Nazism, white supremacy, fawning over Adolf Hitler, and threatening violence towards Jewish people. He also allegedly wore and sold Nazi-symbolism-bearing clothing and made antisemitic remarks in lawsuits and social media posts.
What is Kanye West seeking with his apology?
Kanye West stated he is not seeking sympathy or a free pass, but rather forgiveness and patience as he focuses on his recovery, treatment, and creating positive art.