Kanye West has firmly rejected claims that his recent public apology was a calculated publicity stunt, insisting it was driven by genuine remorse rather than a bid to revive his career.
Earlier this week, the rapper — now known as Ye — took out a full-page advert in The Wall Street Journal, issuing a public apology “to those I’ve hurt” following what he described as a months-long manic episode in which he “lost touch with reality”.
The apology addressed a series of controversies from last year, including praising Adolf Hitler, declaring himself a Nazi, selling a T-shirt featuring a swastika, and releasing a single titled Heil Hitler. The statement marked one of Ye’s most prominent acknowledgements yet of the fallout from his behaviour.
In the advert, Ye — who revealed his bipolar diagnosis on his 2018 self-titled album — stated that he is neither a “Nazi” nor an “antisemite”, adding that he “loves Jewish people”. He also issued a direct apology to members of the Black community who felt he had “let them down”.
Ye Responds to ‘PR Move’ Accusations
Speaking to Vanity Fair shortly after the apology was published, Ye was asked how he would respond to those who believe the move was designed to clear the path for new music and business ventures.
“It’s 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,” he said. “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.”
He continued: “This, for me, as evidenced by the letter, isn’t about reviving my commerciality. This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.”
‘I Owe a Huge Apology Once Again’
Doubling down on his message, Ye said: “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 wreckage of my episode and realise that this isn’t who I am.
“As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. It’s important that they realise and understand what side of history that I want to stand on. And that is one of love and positivity.”
He added: “Not until I was out of the episode and in treatment did the reality set in of what I did while I was disconnected from my true self.”
A Pattern of Apologies After Years of Backlash
Before the renewed backlash in 2025, Ye had largely stayed out of the public eye following a string of high-profile scandals.
These included repeated antisemitic remarks, wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt at a fashion show in 2022, and involving Marilyn Manson in a controversial promotional stunt for his album Donda.
In December 2023, Ye issued a separate apology on Instagram, writing in Hebrew. According to The Guardian, the statement read: “I sincerely apologise to the Jewish community.
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“It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused. I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future.
“Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.”
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