Kanye West Issues Public Apology for Antisemitism Through Wall Street Journal Ad
Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has issued a formal public apology for his past antisemitic behavior through a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal. The 48-year-old rapper used the open letter to address those I hurt and reflect on years of controversial and harmful actions.
In the letter, Ye acknowledged his recent use of Na** symbolism and other offensive behavior, saying he deeply regrets it. He explained that his actions were partly influenced by undiagnosed frontal-lobe damage from a car accident 25 years ago.
The injury, he said, affected his mental health and contributed to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis. I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret, he wrote.
While he pointed to his medical history, Ye made it clear that it does not excuse the harm he caused. It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Na** or an antisemite. I love Jewish people, he stated in the ad.
He also addressed the black community, calling it unquestionably the foundation of who I am. He apologized for past statements, including his 2018 remark to TMZ claiming that 400 years of slavery sounded like a choice. I am sorry to have let you down. I love us, he wrote.
Kanye West apologizes for antisemitism in new letter published through The Wall Street Journal:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 26, 2026
“I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people” pic.twitter.com/gZ1E7YyJPa
The apology comes after years of public backlash, including his 2025 track Heil Hitler, which sampled a 1935 Adolf Hitler speech and included lyrics like So I became a Na**, yeah, b***, I’m the villain. Following the controversy, Ye replaced the song with a Christian-themed version titled Hallelujah.
According to reports, the Wall Street Journal ad is Ye’s most formal and wide-reaching attempt to seek forgiveness, following a 2023 meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto where he expressed remorse. In the letter, he asked for patience and understanding as he works to rebuild his reputation.
Ye remains active professionally. He is preparing his twelfth studio album, Bully, which is scheduled for release on January 30. Sources say the album is a solo project inspired by his time living in Tokyo.
He also appeared in the documentary In Whose Name?, released in late 2025, which covers the last six years of his life and features appearances by Elon Musk, Drake, and Pharrell Williams. The film explores his public controversies and personal struggles, including the collapse of his marriage.
Ye concluded the Wall Street Journal letter by emphasizing that he is not seeking a free pass, but hopes to regain the trust of his audience. He ended with a plea for support as he works to find my way home.
What do you think about Ye’s apology and his plans for the new album Bully? Share your thoughts in the comments.