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West admitted that he did not fully understand the influence of his platform at the time and said his actions fell short of that responsibility.
The rapper, now known as Ye, issued the apology in a paid Wall Street Journal advertisement, linking his past remarks to untreated bipolar disorder. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
Rapper and fashion designer Kanye West has issued a public apology in a full-page newspaper ad, for his behaviour in the past, describing it as reckless and harmful and admitting that his words and actions caused pain to those close to him as well as to the wider public.
West issued an official statement and said he had “lost touch with reality” during a difficult period in his life. He expressed regret over embracing extremist symbols, including the swastika, which he called the most destructive symbol he could find at the time.
He stressed, however, that mental illness does not justify his actions. “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite,” he wrote, adding that he loves Jewish people and is committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change.
He admitted that he had even sold merchandise carrying the symbol and said he is “deeply mortified” by those choices.
He linked his behaviour to his struggles with mental health, referring to his diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
West also addressed the Black community directly in the statement, apologising for disappointing them. He acknowledged their role as the foundation of his identity and career and admitted that he failed to live up to that responsibility during his most controversial moments.
Ye, fka Kanye West, takes out a full-page in the Wall Street Journal to apologize to the Black community, and for antisemitism:“I lost touch with reality” pic.twitter.com/Po8s4gNz5P
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 26, 2026
Reflecting on his influence as a global public figure, West said he did not fully understand the reach and impact of his platform at the time. He admitted that his behaviour affected not only his personal relationships but also public discourse.
The apology follows years of controversy involving inflammatory social media posts, provocative fashion choices and public appearances linked to extremist symbolism. West said he is not asking for sympathy or forgiveness without effort, but hopes to rebuild trust over time through sustained change and responsibility.
January 26, 2026, 21:34 IST
