Kanye West Speaks Up About His Mental Health Issues and Reveals What Caused Them

After years of confusion, controversy, and silence, one of music's most polarizing figures is finally offering a window into the cause of his public downfall.

Kanye West has broken his silence with a personal message unlike any before. In a full-page letter published in The Wall Street Journal, the rapper and designer, now legally known as Ye, confronts his controversial behavior and pleads for patience from those who have watched him unravel, offering, for the first time, a candid explanation behind the chaos.

The Accident That Led to Everything

On January 26, 2026, the 48-year-old artist, once hailed as one of the most influential forces in pop culture with record-breaking albums and elite brand partnerships, chose to publish an apology as an advertisement paid via the Yeezy brand.

Titled "To Those I've Hurt," the letter begins by revisiting a car crash that occurred in 2002, a moment Ye now believes altered the course of his life.

"Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain," Ye writes. "At the time, the focus was on the visible damage—the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed."

And yet, the rapper penned and recorded his 2003 debut solo single, "Through the Wire," while his jaw remained wired shut following the serious accident.

According to Ye, it was not until 2023 that doctors finally identified the extent of the damage. "That medical oversight caused serious damage to my mental health and led to my bipolar type-1 diagnosis," he continued.

Because the injury went untreated for so long, Ye says he was left battling symptoms he could not understand or control. Over time, he spiraled into manic episodes that distorted his sense of reality.

In the letter, he admits that during his worst moments, he believed he alone could see the truth of the world, when in reality, he could not.

A Public Spiral Played Out in Real Time

The situation only worsened as the world reacted. Ye wrote that he felt mocked and labeled as crazy while his condition intensified. Additionally, he pointed to studies from the World Health Organization and Cambridge University. This research shows that people with bipolar disorder often do not live as long as those without the condition.

Despite this, the illness fed his ego. He described feeling intellectually superior and even "unstoppable," which made him resistant to seeking help.

"I lost touch with reality," Ye stated and what followed was a period of escalating behavior that shocked fans and alienated loved ones.

"Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret," he wrote. "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, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self."

The Symbol That Destroyed His Reputation

During this period, Ye says he was drawn toward one of the most hateful symbols imaginable: the swastika.

He went so far as to sell clothing bearing the symbol, igniting widespread outrage, accusations of antisemitism, and the collapse of major business relationships.

In 2025, a former Yeezy employee filed a lawsuit accusing the rapper of comparing himself to Adolf Hitler, harassing her because she was Jewish, and firing her after she raised complaints.

Around the same time, Ye posted a series of inflammatory messages on X praising the Nazi leader. The fallout was swift as his talent agent, Daniel McCartney, severed ties with him.

In his letter, Ye apologized for this behavior and claimed he cannot remember many of the moments in question. While acknowledging that memory loss does not excuse his actions, he insisted that he does not agree with Nazi ideology and harbors no hatred toward Jewish people.

Finally Asking for Help

According to the rapper, nothing truly shifted until 2025, after a prolonged manic period marked by what he describes as some of the worst behavior of his life. He admitted experiencing suicidal thoughts and said he ultimately reached a breaking point.

He wrote that it was his wife, Bianca Censori, who urged him to seek professional help when he could no longer manage on his own.

Recovery, he explained, has not been easy. But Ye said that reading Reddit forums helped him feel less alone. His treatment now includes medication, therapy, exercise, and a commitment to healthier living. He believes these changes have helped him regain clarity.

He also acknowledged the influence he holds as a public figure and said he is now focused on using his platform for positive creative work. In a particularly emotional moment, Ye thanked the Black community for supporting him during his darkest periods and apologized for disappointing them.

Instead of making demands, his letter concluded with a humble request. While he isn't seeking pity or a free pass, Ye hopes to eventually earn forgiveness and simply asks for the patience and grace he needs to fully recover.

The rapper may have started to atone for his past antics, but many still can't forget one of his and his wife's more scandalous appearances from last year.

No Outfit at All

As previously reported, Bianca Censori's bold fashion choice at the 2025 Grammy Awards turned heads and sparked debate. She arrived on the red carpet in a sheer outfit, quickly becoming one of the event's most talked-about moments.

She initially wore a black feather coat but shocked onlookers when she removed it exposing a nude look as she also had no underwear on. As the cameras flashed, she stood next to Ye, who wore his usual all-black ensemble with a diamond chain.

Censori's outfit choice raised questions about whether her revealing look could lead to any consequences. Sources connected to event organizers reportedly told TMZ that security personnel from AEG and the Recording Academy were present when the duo arrived.

Although her attire drew attention, no one at the event raised concerns or took action.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told TMZ that the Grammys is a private event, and no representatives reported any complaints about Censori's appearance. With no formal complaints filed, police have no involvement in the matter.

Meanwhile, event organizers reportedly invited Ye as a guest, and he informed them of his plan to walk the red carpet. However, insiders said Bianca Censori's sheer dress caught officials off guard, as they had no prior knowledge of her outfit choice.

Netizens React to the Ensemble

While authorities dismissed any legal concerns, the public response was far from indifferent. Online, Censori's outfit sparked heated debate, with opinions sharply divided.

One person fumed, "Bianca Censori being allowed through the doors and onto the red carpet for even a small amount of time while being completely naked is nowhere near the realm of acceptability. The Grammys need to be held accountable for letting her inside. Absolutely disgusting behavior."

Another netizen was baffled by the lack of enforcement, writing, "Kanye's wife is fully naked…. does this event not have a dress code…?" Someone who observed Censori's demeanor remarked, "She is clearly uncomfortable."

For some, the incident was a reflection of changing norms, as one person sighed, "Idk how Kanye West's wife is allowed to show up literally naked to the GRAMMYS but that's the world we live in now I guess. The lack of shame, humility & grace is just so…. sigh. 😔 [sic]."

Another comment questioned the double standards, "And why was she allowed to walk the red carpet looking like this? Every other person would have been arrested for indecent exposure." One more person wondered, "I don't get how she was even let in showing up practically naked."

A sense of unease crept in for another netizen who expressed deep concern, "If that were my daughter I would do everything in power to get her away from him. This is abusive and disrespectful."

The legality of the situation also became a talking point, with one Redditor stating, "So, that's being naked in public. That’s a crime and she should be charged with it. Indecent exposure."

Amid mixed reactions from netizens, Ye shared more images from the event on Instagram but later deleted them. He captioned one of the photos with "love story." He also posted Censori's pictures on X while she still had the black coat on.

Following their red carpet appearance, speculation swirled that Ye and Censori had been removed from the event. However, media reports confirmed that this was not the case.

The rapper, who was nominated for Best Rap Song for "Carnival" from his 2024 album "Vultures 1," simply chose to leave after walking the carpet.