Kanye West claims antisemitism apology isn’t a PR move
Kanye West has responded to those who have criticised his apology for antisemitism.
The Chicago rapper launched an advertisement in The Wall Street Journal on January 26th, in which he claimed his car crash in the early 2000s led to bipolar disorder and a brain injury.
Following Kanye’s letter, people have debated the sincerity of his words on social media. So, he sat down with Vanity Fair to address his apology.
Ye was asked, “Some will say that, regardless of the truth and tragedy of your diagnosis, this apology is a PR move so that you can release music and operate your businesses in the ways that you used to, without the stigma of people thinking you’re antisemitic. What would you say to them?”
In response, he referenced the popularity of his Graduation album, along with Bully, his new project scheduled for release on January 30th.
“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.”
On that note, he said, “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 for everything that I said that hurt the Jewish and Black communities in particular. All of it went too far.”
Kanye then reflected on the damage caused by his hateful comments and stated he wanted to distance himself from that person.
“I look at wreckage of my episode and realise that this isn’t who I am,” he said. “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.”