Kanye West Apologizes for Antisemitism in Full-Page Wall Street Journal Ad
Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has publicly apologized for his past antisemitic actions in a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal. The 48-year-old rapper addressed those I hurt and reflected on years of controversial behavior.
In the open letter, Ye admitted that his use of Na** imagery and other offensive statements was deeply wrong. He explained that his actions were partly influenced by undiagnosed frontal-lobe damage from a car accident 25 years ago, which affected his mental health and contributed to a 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.
Despite citing his health struggles, Ye emphasized that they do 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 said.
Ye also addressed the black community, calling it unquestionably the foundation of who I am. He apologized for previous controversial comments, including a 2018 claim to TMZ that 400 years of slavery sounded like a choice. I am sorry to have let you down. I love us, he added.
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 follows years of backlash, including his 2025 song Heil Hitler, which sampled a 1935 Adolf Hitler speech and featured the lyrics So I became a Na**, yeah, b***, I’m the villain. After global criticism, he replaced the track with a Christian-themed version called Hallelujah.
According to reports, the Wall Street Journal ad is Ye’s most formal and far-reaching attempt at reconciliation, coming after a 2023 meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto where he also expressed remorse. In the letter, Ye asked for patience and understanding while he works to rebuild his reputation.
Professionally, Ye remains active. He is preparing his twelfth studio album, Bully, set for release on January 30. Sources say the project is inspired by his time living in Tokyo. He also appeared in the documentary In Whose Name?, released in late 2025, which looks at the past six years of his life and features Elon Musk, Drake, and Pharrell Williams. The film covers his public controversies and personal struggles, including his marriage collapse.
Ye ended the Wall Street Journal letter by stating he does not want a free pass but hopes to regain the trust of his audience. He concluded with a plea for support while he works to find my way home.
Ye’s apology is a step in the right direction, but rebuilding trust will take time given the severity of his past actions. It’s clear he is trying to take responsibility while continuing his career, but only consistent actions will matter in the long run. Do you think Ye’s apology is sincere, and can he repair his public image? Share your thoughts in the comments.
