American rapper Kanye West has publicly apologised to Black and Jewish communities for his past offensive statements and actions, days before the release of his upcoming album.

The 48-year-old artist made the apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, publishing a lengthy letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt.” The message comes ahead of his new album, Bully, scheduled for release on January 30. The project follows his 2024 album, VULTURES 1.

In the letter, West reflected deeply on his past behaviour, linking some of his actions to injuries he sustained in a previous car accident. He explained that while the physical injuries were treated at the time, the neurological impact was overlooked.

“Everyone focused on the visible damage—the swelling, the fractures, the pain,” he wrote. “What went unnoticed was the injury inside my skull.”

According to West, limited medical examinations meant a potential frontal-lobe injury went undetected for years. He said it was not properly diagnosed until 2023, a delay he believes significantly affected his mental health and contributed to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis.

West admitted he struggled for years to accept his condition.

“When you’re manic, you don’t believe anything is wrong,” he explained. “You feel unstoppable. You think everyone else is the problem.”

He went on to describe bipolar disorder as particularly dangerous because of how convincing it can be, noting that it often makes sufferers believe they don’t need help while clouding their judgment.

The rapper acknowledged the pain his behaviour caused to others, especially those closest to him.

“The longer I ignored what was happening, the worse things became,” he wrote. “I said and did things I deeply regret. I hurt people I love.”

Addressing his antisemitic actions directly, West expressed remorse for embracing extremist symbolism during what he described as a fractured mental state, including the sale of merchandise featuring Nazi imagery.

He stressed that his condition does not excuse his behaviour.

“I am deeply ashamed of those actions,” he said. “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”

West also revealed that his wife, Bianca Censori, whom he married in 2023, played a key role in encouraging him to finally seek professional help after he reached what he described as “rock bottom.”

He noted that he found unexpected support in online communities, particularly on Reddit, where he connected with others living with similar mental health challenges.

West further acknowledged the responsibility that comes with his influence as a global figure.

“My words carry weight,” he wrote. “During my manic episodes, I completely lost sight of that responsibility.”

He said he is now committed to healthier living and intentional creativity, crediting a structured routine involving medication, therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes for helping him regain clarity.

“I’m directing my energy into meaningful, positive work—music, fashion, design, and ideas that can help the world,” he said.

West concluded the letter by asking for patience rather than sympathy.

“I’m not asking for a free pass,” he wrote. “I hope to earn forgiveness. For now, I ask only for patience and understanding as I find my way back.”

The apology follows reports that West previously met with New York–based Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, where he privately expressed regret over his past remarks.