Kanye West released an apologetic open letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt” in the January 26 edition of The Wall Street Journal. The full-page advertisement, paid for by his Yeezy brand, outlines a history of erratic behavior, legal disputes, and claims that bipolar disorder has driven his actions.
At a Glance
- Kanye West, 48, publicly apologized for antisemitic remarks and the sale of swastika-bearing merchandise.
- He cites a 2002 car accident that caused brain damage, discovered in 2023, as the root of his bipolar-type 1 diagnosis.
- Legal battles in 2025 include a lawsuit by a former Yeezy employee and a lawsuit involving antisemitic comments on X.
- Why it matters: The apology signals a potential shift in West’s public persona and may influence his business relationships and legal outcomes.
Introduction
The rapper’s letter, published in a major financial newspaper, addresses a string of controversies that began in the early 2000s and escalated into antisemitic statements and legal action. West frames his past conduct as a consequence of untreated mental illness and expresses a commitment to change.
Background of the Controversy
- 2002 – West was involved in a car accident that fractured his jaw and damaged the right frontal lobe of his brain. The injury went unnoticed until 2023.
- 2022 – Adidas ended its partnership with Yeezy after West threatened to “go death con 3 on Jewish people.”
- 2024 – West’s public profile includes a series of tweets that critics labeled antisemitic.
- 2025 – Two major legal incidents:
- A former Yeezy employee sued West for alleged harassment and comparison to Hitler. The court ordered West to pay $76,000 in legal fees.
- West defended Sean “Diddy” Combs on X, using slurs and praising Adolf Hitler, leading to his dismissal by agent Daniel McCartney of 33&West.
The Apology Letter
West opened the letter by recounting the 2002 accident and the delayed discovery of brain damage. He writes:
“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and I am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change,” West said.
He describes a manic episode in 2025 lasting four months, during which he felt suicidal and engaged in destructive behavior. His wife, Bianca Censori, encouraged him to seek help after he “hit rock bottom.”
West also explains how his bipolar disorder led him to gravitate toward the swastika as a destructive symbol. He admits to selling merchandise featuring the symbol and acknowledges the “poor judgement and reckless behavior” involved.
Legal and Business Fallout
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Adidas partnership terminated | End of Yeezy collaboration |
| 2025 | Lawsuit by former Yeezy employee | Court ordered West to pay $76,000 in legal fees |
| 2025 | Antisemitic X rant | Dropped by agent Daniel McCartney |
These incidents illustrate the tangible costs of West’s public statements, affecting both his brand and his legal standing.
Health Claims and Treatment
West attributes his erratic behavior to a bipolar-type 1 diagnosis, citing research from the World Health Organization and Cambridge University that indicates a shorter life expectancy for those with the condition. He emphasizes that he once believed he was “powerful” and “unstoppable,” which led him to ignore the need for help.
He now follows an “effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living.” West says he feels a sense of “much-needed clarity” and is “pouring his energy into positive, meaningful art.”
Reactions and Future Steps
West’s letter acknowledges the harm done to the Jewish community, the Black community, and his own family. He states:
“I love us,” he wrote, referring to the Black community that he says “held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times.”
He concludes by asking for patience and understanding as he seeks to “find my way home.” The letter does not request sympathy but aims to earn forgiveness.
Key Takeaways
- West’s apology links his antisemitic actions to untreated bipolar disorder.
- Legal repercussions in 2025 included a $76,000 fee order and loss of business ties.
- The letter signifies a potential pivot toward accountability and mental-health advocacy.
Final Thoughts
The full-page WSJ advertisement marks a significant moment in West’s public narrative. Whether it will alter his legal trajectory or business prospects remains to be seen, but the apology underscores the intersection of mental health, public behavior, and accountability.
