Kanye West's Apology to Jewish Community in Hebrew Comes After Recent Antisemitic Remarks
Kanye West apologizes to Jewish community for his past offensive remarks, expressing regret for any unintended harm caused by his words or actions
After making repeated antisemitic remarks, Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, publicly apologized to the Jewish community for any unintended harm caused by his words or actions. In a Tuesday Instagram post written in Hebrew, the recording artist shared the message just days before the expected release of new music, garnering over one million likes by Tuesday morning.
In his message, he expressed regret for any pain caused and committed to learning and ensuring greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. He also stated his dedication to making amends and promoting unity. After brands cut ties with Kanye West, many are wondering why it took so long.
The Anti-Defamation League responded to the post in a statement to CNN, expressing that an apology in Hebrew from the individual who has spread hateful antisemitism may be a starting point in making amends to the Jewish community and those impacted by his actions. The organization emphasized that while words are important, it is the individual's future actions that will truly make a difference.
The reason behind his post is unclear, but it comes before the anticipated release of his new music collection, "Vultures." In late November, Ye and Ty Dolla $ign performed a song with the same title at a Dubai nightclub.
Criticism arose from a recording of West's performance, particularly over the lyrics: "How am I antisemitic? I just had sex with a Jewish woman."
West has long history of offensive comments
The release of the new music was initially scheduled for this month, but has now been delayed until January, leading to uncertainty about its distribution. Additionally, Ye's comments at a recent Las Vegas party have sparked further controversy surrounding the music.
Over the past few years, Ye has made numerous derogatory remarks targeting the Jewish and Black communities, as well as other celebrities. Adidas and Balenciaga severed their partnerships with him over a year ago due to a string of offensive actions, including antisemitic comments.
Adidas initially reassessed its partnership with Ye in October 2022 when he wore a shirt bearing the phrase "White Lives Matter," which is classified as a "hate slogan" by the Anti-Defamation League and used by White supremacist groups.
After making controversial statements on Twitter and Instagram, Ye's accounts were either locked or restricted, resulting in further scrutiny of his behavior.
This led to Adidas ending their partnership with Yeezy apparel brand Yes, citing the rapper's offensive and dangerous comments, including repeated antisemitic conspiracy theories, as the reason for terminating the deal.
Several individuals who were once in the artist's inner circle disclosed to CNN in October 2022 that Ye had a longstanding fascination with Adolf Hitler and at one point expressed a desire to name an album after the Nazi leader.
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According to a former business executive who worked with the rapper, Ye openly discussed reading "Mein Kampf," Hitler's 1925 autobiographical manifesto, and expressed his admiration for the Nazis and Hitler for their propaganda tactics.
In November 2022, Ye also had a meeting with Donald Trump and White nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes at the former president's Mar-a-Lago estate.
Ye currently does not have a listed publicist for comment. California filings for his holding company, Ox Paha, do not include a phone number or email address. An attorney who represents Ye in unrelated cases has not yet responded to a request for comment. Websites for past businesses such as GOOD Music, Donda Creative, and Donda Academy are no longer operational.
CNNs Stephanie Becker contributed to this report.
