Kanye West has issued an apology for his previous antisemitic comments during a private meeting with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto in New York.
According to the rabbi, the rapper—who now goes by Ye—expressed “deep remorse” for his harmful statements and asked for forgiveness, acknowledging that his behaviour was influenced in part by struggles with bipolar disorder.
Footage of the meeting, held on Tuesday, was shared on Rabbi Pinto’s social media accounts on Thursday.
“I feel blessed to be here and take accountability,” Ye said while holding the rabbi’s hands. “I was dealing with different issues, including bipolar disorder, and I forgot to protect the people around me and myself. So I want to take responsibility.”
He went on to compare the process to a parent returning home to find their child has made a mess: “When you come back, it’s your responsibility to clean it up. That’s how I see it—I need to clean up the kitchen, the living room, the garage.”
Ye said taking accountability is the “first step” in rebuilding trust “brick by brick” with the Jewish community.
Rabbi Pinto, leader of the Shuva Israel institutions, praised the gesture, saying in a translated statement: “A person is not defined by his mistakes but by how he chooses to correct them. True strength lies in returning, learning, and building bridges of love and peace.”
West has faced intense backlash for his string of antisemitic remarks, including a 2022 tweet where he threatened to go “death con 3” [sic] on Jewish people.
His comments led major brands—including Universal Music Group, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas—to cut ties with him.
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