‘I Lost Touch With Reality.’ Kanye West Reflects On Antisemitic Comments, Mental Health Struggles And More In Candid Message

by

Kanye West, a well-known rapper, has faced significant criticism in recent years due to controversial behavior and statements. While he’s had a successful career with many hit songs and collaborations, his actions, particularly the use of antisemitic and Nazi imagery in his posts and music, have drawn widespread condemnation. Recently, West has issued a public apology and shared details about his mental health challenges in a lengthy letter.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, published a lengthy open letter as a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal. In it, he discussed his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, connecting it back to the car accident that inspired his breakout song, “Through The Wire.” He explained the condition and then addressed controversial statements he’d made in the last four months, sharing his state of mind at the time (according to Complex).

I became disconnected from what was real, and things spiraled downward as I kept avoiding the issues. I said and did things I now deeply regret, and sadly, I often hurt the people I care about the most. You went through a lot – fear, confusion, embarrassment, and the draining experience of loving someone who had changed so much. In retrospect, I lost sight of who I really was.

In late 2025, Kanye West was in the news for several reasons. Kim Kardashian, his former wife, publicly stated that he hadn’t been making an effort to see their children, and that she had always allowed him access to them. Around the same time, his documentary, In Whose Name?, was released, exploring his controversial behavior and featuring perspectives from people who interacted with him during that period.

In a recent letter, West explained that his feelings of disconnection led him to use the swastika, which he now recognizes as a deeply harmful symbol. He sincerely apologized for featuring it on his products and in his music.

When I was struggling with severe bipolar disorder, I made incredibly poor and destructive choices, including displaying and selling swastikas. Because of the disconnected and often unremembered episodes caused by my condition, I acted recklessly and felt detached from my own actions. I deeply regret and am ashamed of these choices, and I’m dedicated to taking responsibility, getting treatment, and making real changes. However, this doesn’t excuse what I did. I want to be clear: I am not a Nazi, and I do not hold antisemitic beliefs. I care deeply about Jewish people.

Kanye West issued an apology to the Black community, sharing both his affection and regret for letting people down. He then revealed he experienced a severe mental health episode – a manic period lasting four months in 2025 – which he said was incredibly damaging to his life. During that time, he admitted to feeling hopeless and struggling with thoughts of not wanting to live.

The Grammy-winning artist explained that he started to feel remorseful after coming down from a period of intense energy, and it was his wife, Bianca Censori, who motivated him to seek help. He found comfort and support in online Reddit communities, connecting with others who understood his regrets and feelings. He briefly mentioned doctors suggesting he might have autism instead of bipolar disorder, and then concluded his statement.

Now that I’m establishing a healthier routine with medication, therapy, exercise, and a clean lifestyle, I’m finally thinking clearly again. I’m focusing all my energy on creating positive things – music, clothing, design, and other new projects – that I hope will make a difference. I’m not looking for pity, but I do hope to earn your forgiveness. Right now, I just ask for your patience and understanding as I work on getting my life back on track.

Kanye West has issued another apology to the Jewish community, following a series of previous ones. In 2023, he stated that watching the movie 21 Jump Street led him to feel positively toward Jewish people again, which caught the attention of the film’s director. He apologized once more on Christmas Day that same year, and again in 2025 via X. It remains to be seen whether West will find lasting stability with his mental health and continue to move forward.

It’s currently unclear what Ye has planned professionally for the coming year. With the 2026 television season just beginning, there’s still a chance he might appear on a TV show, whether it’s a drama, comedy, or reality program.

Read More

2026-01-26 19:15