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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has shared a letter issuing a formal apology to the Black and Jewish community.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Tuesday, January 27, to include Ye responding to the belief that his apology is a “PR move” motivated by his desire to sell music.
According to Vanity Fair, on Monday, January 26, a new issue of The Wall Street Journal’s print edition was published. Furthermore, the publication featured an apology letter from Ye. “To Those I Hurt,” the letter is titled.
“Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain. At the time, the focus was on the visible damagethe fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed,” the rapper writes, beginning his letter.
As the note goes on, Ye revealed that his “frontal lobe injury” wasn’t diagnosed until 2023. Furthermore, he stated that the “medical oversight” caused “serious damage” to his mental health. Additionally, he stated that it contributed to his bipolar I diagnosis.
Ye then went on to explain that he thought he was seeing the world clearly, but he was in a manic state and in “denial.” This, all while feeling “powerful, certain, and unstoppable.”
“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika,” he continued.
Ultimately, he stated that he is “mortified” by his actions. And he is “not a Nazi” or an “antisemite.”
At that point, Ye addressed the Black community, apologizing for letting the community down. Furthermore, Ye noted that he fell into a 4-month manic episode and ultimately was able to find help through his wife, Bianca Censori.
“My words as a leader in my community have real global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that,” he continued.
As he concluded, Ye noted that as he finds his baseline “through effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living,” his clarity is now renewed. Furthermore, he plans to pour himself into his various lanes of artistry and “help” the world.
“I’m not asking for sympathy or for a pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home,” he concluded.
Social media users reacted to Ye, formerly known as Kanye West’s, apology letter in TSR’s comment section.
On Tuesday, January 27, Vanity Fair released an exclusive interview, sitting down with Ye following his letter published in WSJ. Furthermore, the outlet asked him to address speculation that his apology is a “PR move” and motivated by him wanting to return to the public’s good graces in order to sell his upcoming music.
“Its my understanding that I was in the top 10 most listened-to artists overall in the US on Spotify in 2025, and last week and most days as well. My upcoming album, ‘Bully,’ is currently one of the most anticipated pre-saves of any album on Spotify too. My 2007 album, Graduation, was also the most listened to and streamed hip-hop album of 2025. This, for me, as evidenced by the latter, isnt about reviving my commerciality,” he responded. “This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit. I owe a huge apology once again for everything that I said that hurt the Jewish and Black communities in particular. All of it went too far. I look at the wreckage of my episode and realize that this isnt who I am. As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. Its important that they realize and understand what side of history that I want to stand on. And that is one of love and positivity.”
