Rapper Kanye West, the author of the song Heil Hitler, released on May 8 to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, said in a letter published in the Wall Street Journal on Monday that he is not “neither Nazi nor anti-Semitic”explaining that his recent behavior was influenced by his bipolar disorder.
The 48-year-old musician has lost many fans and several commercial contracts in recent years after making anti-Semitic and racist statements. the song “Heil Hitler” was banned from major streaming platforms, but can be found online, and got the rapper’s visa canceled for Australia.
In his letter, West explained: “When you’re in the manic phase, you don’t think you’re sick. You feel like others are exaggerating. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in fact you’re completely off balance. I regret my actions in this state and I’m deeply tormented. I’m committed to taking responsibility, getting treatment, and making real, lasting changes. This in no way excuses what I did. I’m not a Nazi, and I’m not anti-Semitic. I love the people Jew.”
In December 2023, the rapper apologized to the Jewish community after months earlier stating that “he adores the Nazis.” In 2022, West also sparked outrage by displaying the sloganand “White Lives Matter” and by attending a dinner with Donald Trump and anti-Semitic white supremacist Nick Fuentes.
