Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto on Tuesday to express remorse for his past antisemitic comments directed at the Jewish community. During the meeting, which was marked by a tone of accountability and reflection, Ye acknowledged the impact of his words and the responsibility he bears for them.
“I feel really blessed to sit here and take accountability,” West stated, while holding the Rabbi’s hands. He elaborated on his struggles, particularly mentioning his battle with bipolar disorder, and reflected on how this affected his behavior and thought processes. “I was dealing with various issues… So I wanted to take accountability,” he added, likening his situation to a parent returning home to find chaos left by a child, emphasizing that it is ultimately his duty to address and rectify it.
Ye articulated a desire to rebuild his relationship with the Jewish community, framing his apology as a foundational step toward healing. “These are the first steps in building ‘brick-by-brick’ for the strong walls in repairing my relationship,” he noted.
Rabbi Pinto responded with an encouraging statement, emphasizing that a person’s true strength lies not in their mistakes but in their capacity to learn from them and foster understanding. “This is the true strength of man: The ability to return, to learn, and to build bridges of love and peace,” Pinto remarked, underscoring the significance of reconciliation.
The artist has faced considerable backlash due to his controversial remarks, including a notorious tweet in 2022 where he threatened to go “death con 3” on Jewish people. This controversy led several corporations, including Universal Music Group, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas, to sever ties with him.
Despite these challenges, Ye has continued to create music, having performed in South Korea in July and with additional concerts planned in South Africa this December and Mexico in January. However, he has not performed in the United States this year and has yet to release his anticipated Bully album.
This meeting reflects a critical moment for Ye, showcasing his willingness to confront his past and seek a path forward. His ongoing journey illustrates the complexities of personal growth and public perception in the wake of controversy.