Kanye West apologises over antisemitic comments

Regrets statements about Jewish and Black communities in a Wall Street Journal ad, calling past actions reckless

Kanye West has issued a public apology to Jewish and Black communities following years of racist and antisemitic remarks, taking responsibility in a full-page advertisement published in The Wall Street Journal.

The rapper and fashion designer described his past behavior as "reckless" and deeply harmful, acknowledging the impact of his words and actions on those closest to him and on the wider public.

In the statement, West said he "lost touch with reality" and expressed regret for embracing extremist symbolism, including the swastika, which he described as the most destructive symbol he could find during a period of poor judgment. He admitted to selling merchandise bearing the symbol and said he is "deeply mortified" by those decisions.

West referenced his bipolar disorder diagnosis, explaining that untreated mental health struggles contributed to what he described as impaired judgment and manic behavior. While acknowledging his condition, he emphasized that it does not excuse his actions. "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," West wrote, stating that he loves Jewish people and is committed to accountability and treatment.

He also addressed the Black community directly, apologizing for letting them down and recognizing their role as the foundation of his identity and career. West stated that his position as a public figure carries global influence and admitted that he failed to recognize that responsibility during his most controversial moments.

The apology comes after a series of incidents over recent years, including inflammatory social media posts, controversial fashion statements, and public appearances involving extremist imagery. West said he is not asking for sympathy or forgiveness without effort, but hopes to earn trust over time as he works toward meaningful change.

West's life has been the subject of significant media coverage. He has been a frequent source of controversy due to his conduct on social media, at award shows, and in public settings, as well as his comments on the music and fashion industries, U.S. politics, race, and slavery. His Christian faith, relationships, feuds with Taylor Swift and with Drake, and mental health have also been topics of media attention. From 2014 to 2022, he was married to Kim Kardashian, with whom he has four children. In 2020, West ran an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign. Starting in 2022, West has drawn widespread condemnation—and lost sponsors and partnerships—for expressing antisemitic views; he has self-identified as a Nazi, praised Adolf Hitler, used swastika imagery, and denied the Holocaust.

West is one of the best-selling music artists, with 160 million records sold, and the 12th-most awarded artist at the Grammy Awards, with 24 wins. Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005 and 2015.