Kanye West has publicly apologized to the Black and Jewish communities following years of promoting racist and antisemitic views. In a Wall Street Journal ad, he admitted, “I lost touch with reality. 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.” The 48-year-old rapper, known for his album Donda, reflected on causing “fear, confusion, humiliation” among those closest to him, adding that he became “detached from [his] true self.”
West specifically expressed remorse for embracing the swastika, calling it “the most destructive symbol” and confirming he once sold T-shirts featuring it. He acknowledged his bipolar disorder contributed to “poor judgment and reckless behavior,” which he described as feeling like an “out-of-body experience.” However, he emphasized his illness does not excuse his actions, stating, “I regret and am deeply mortified … I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
Addressing the Black community, he thanked them for supporting him “through all the highs and lows” and apologized: “I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.” West vowed accountability, treatment, and lasting change.
This story is being updated.