Tuesday, 27 January

'I'm not a Nazi': Ye details Bipolar struggles, regrets, and path to recovery, tracing cause to 2001 car accident

Entertainment
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West

Music and fashion mogul Ye has released a detailed personal statement titled “To Those I Hurt,” reflecting on his experiences with bipolar type-1 disorder and the impact it has had on his life, relationships, and public actions.

In the statement, Ye recounted a car accident 25 years ago that broke his jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of his brain. He said that while the visible injuries were treated, the brain injury went undiagnosed until 2023, which he believes contributed to mental health challenges and his bipolar diagnosis.

Describing the nature of his disorder, Ye wrote: “Bipolar disorder comes with its own defense system. Denial. When you're manic, you don't think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in reality you’re losing your grip entirely.”

He detailed the effects of manic episodes on his behavior, admitting to actions he regrets and explaining how his illness affected those around him.

“Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to love someone who was, at times, unrecognisable,” he said.

Ye acknowledged controversial past actions, including producing swastika-themed clothing, and stated that these actions were a result of disconnected moments during manic episodes.

“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people,” he said.

He also addressed his relationship with the Black community.

“To the Black community — which held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times… I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us,” Ye declared.

Ye described a four-month-long manic episode in early 2025, which he said nearly destroyed his life and included moments of psychotic, paranoid, and impulsive behavior.

“Having bipolar disorder is not a state of constant mental illness. When you go into the manic episode, you are ill at that point. When you are not in an episode, you are completely ‘normal.’ And that’s when the wreckage from the illness hits the hardest,” he explained.

He credited his wife for encouraging him to seek help and said he has found support in online communities, such as Reddit forums, where others share experiences with manic and depressive episodes.

Looking ahead, Ye wrote that he is focusing on stability, treatment, and creative pursuits, including music, clothing design, and other projects aimed at helping others.

“As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art,” he added.

He concluded the statement by asking for patience and understanding from the public.

“I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home,” he said. 

Source: classfmonline.com