Kanye West Blames Bipolar Disorder for Hitler Song and Antisemitic Rants

The 24-time Grammy winner who once stood at hip-hop's creative peak now finds himself apologizing for recording a song titled "Heil Hitler" and years of antisemitic outbursts. Kanye West's latest explanation? His bipolar disorder made him do it.

In an open letter published Monday in The Wall Street Journal, the 48-year-old artist attempted to explain away behavior that has cost him business deals, fans, and his Australian visa. But his explanation raises uncomfortable questions about where mental health ends and personal accountability begins.

From Hitler Songs to Public Apologies

West released "Heil Hitler" last May to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat—a timing that makes the tribute particularly disturbing. While major streaming platforms banned the song, it remains easily accessible online, serving as a permanent reminder of how far the artist has fallen.

This wasn't an isolated incident. In 2022, West wore a "White Lives Matter" t-shirt, widely seen as a racist response to the Black Lives Matter movement. He then attended a dinner with Donald Trump alongside white supremacist Nick Fuentes, cementing his association with extremist figures.

The consequences were swift and severe. Adidas, Balenciaga, and other major brands severed ties with him. His estimated $2.2 billion net worth plummeted. Former collaborators distanced themselves. The music industry that once celebrated his innovation now treats him as a pariah.

The Bipolar Defense

In his letter titled "To Those I've Hurt," West described the manic episodes of bipolar disorder as creating a dangerous disconnect from reality. "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 wrote.

He described experiencing "disconnected moments" that feel like "an out-of-body experience," leading to poor judgment and reckless behavior. "I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state," West stated, while adding the crucial caveat: "It does not excuse what I did, though."

The artist, who legally changed his name to Ye, concluded with a direct denial: "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people."

The Pattern Problem

This isn't West's first apology tour. In late 2023, he apologized to Jewish people for saying "I love Nazis." Yet the Hitler tribute song came months later, suggesting either his treatment isn't working or his remorse isn't genuine.

Mental health experts acknowledge that bipolar disorder can indeed impair judgment during manic episodes. However, they emphasize that mental illness doesn't automatically excuse harmful behavior, especially from public figures whose words carry enormous weight.

The entertainment industry now faces a complex calculation: Can an artist's mental health struggles justify giving them another chance, or do some actions cross a line that can't be uncrossed?