At a Glance
- Kanye West says his Wall Street Journal apology ad is not a career-revival move.
- He apologizes for antisemitic remarks and cites bipolar disorder.
- The ad comes as he prepares to release the album Bully.
- Why it matters: The claim challenges the narrative that West is using his apology to boost his upcoming music project.
Kanye West, the 48-year-old rapper and businessman, has publicly denied that his recent full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal was a strategic effort to revive his career ahead of the release of his new album, Bully. In a January 27 interview with Vanity Fair, West emphasized that the apology was driven by remorse, not marketing.
The Apology Ad
On January 26, West placed a paid full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.” The letter, written by West, apologized for his antisemitic remarks and claimed that bipolar disorder had influenced his erratic behavior. He stated:
> “I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change,” West wrote.
He added that he was “not a Nazi or an antisemite” and expressed love for Jewish people, while also apologizing to the Black community.
West’s Statements in Vanity Fair
During the interview, West repeated that the apology was not about reviving his commerciality. He said:
> “This, for me, as evidenced by the letter, isn’t about reviving my commerciality,” he explained.
West also highlighted his streaming success, claiming he was in the top 10 most-listened-to artists on Spotify in 2025 and that Bully was “one of the most anticipated pre-saves of any album on Spotify”.
Antisemitic Controversies
West has made several antisemitic remarks over the years:
- 2022: Adidas terminated its partnership with Yeezy after West threatened to “go death con 3 on Jewish people.”
- 2025: West was sued by a former Yeezy employee who alleged that he compared himself to Hitler and threatened her because she was Jewish. West was ordered to pay more than $76,000 of the employee’s legal fees.
- 2023: West defended Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted of prostitution-related charges, and posted antisemitic slurs praising Adolf Hitler.
These incidents led to West being dropped by his talent agent, Daniel McCartney of 33&West.
Legal and Financial Consequences
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Adidas ends Yeezy partnership | Brand severed ties with West |
| 2025 | Lawsuit by former Yeezy employee | Court-ordered payment of $76,000 |
| Jan. 27, 2024 | Vanity Fair interview | West denies PR motive for apology ad |
West’s legal challenges underscore the seriousness of the accusations and the impact on his business relationships.
Upcoming Album: Bully
West has positioned Bully as a pivotal project in his career. He claims it is “currently one of the most anticipated pre-saves of any album on Spotify”. The album’s release is seen by many as a potential turning point, though West insists the apology was not a prelude to the launch.
Public Reaction
Reactions to West’s apology and claims have been mixed. Some fans and commentators praise the apology as a step toward accountability, while others remain skeptical of his motives. The broader community continues to watch how West will address his past statements and whether he can rebuild trust.
Key Takeaways
- Kanye West denies using his Wall Street Journal apology ad to promote his album Bully.
- He attributes his antisemitic remarks to a “fractured state” caused by bipolar disorder.
- Legal actions, including a $76,000 payment, have followed his controversial statements.
- The upcoming album remains highly anticipated, but West stresses that his apology is about remorse, not marketing.
West’s journey highlights the intersection of artistry, personal conduct, and public accountability. The outcome of his efforts to reconcile with affected communities remains to be seen.
