Kanye West issues apology for anti-Semitic comments following $1.6-billion wipe-out

More than a year after Adidas severed its multiyear contract with Kanye West due to his anti-Semitic comments — a move that saw his fortune plunge by $1.6 billion — the rapper turned business mogul has now issued an apology in Hebrew to the Jewish community.

Following recent reports of the delay of his new album “Vultures” until January 2024, Ye, known professionally as West, posted his apology on both X and Instagram. In the heartfelt message, he expressed regret for his past anti-Semitic remarks, acknowledging the pain they may have caused.

“I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unplanned outburst. It was not my intent to hurt or disrespect, and I very much regret any pain I may have caused. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to beginning with myself and to learn from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future,” West stated.

ADL acknowledges West’s apology following inflammatory remarks

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an advocacy group documenting anti-Semitism, had earlier described West’s October 2022 remarks as inflammatory and conspiratorial. However, the ADL welcomed his apology, emphasizing the importance of subsequent actions. “Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words, but this initial act of contrition is welcome,” the ADL commented.

In October 2022, West faced backlash on social media as Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., and Twitter, now X, removed anti-Semitic posts from his accounts. The platforms also suspended West for violating content policies.

In response to these actions, West made headlines by agreeing to buy the social networking platform Parler for an undisclosed sum. He justified the acquisition by stating, “In a world where conservative opinions are considered controversial, we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves.”

Forbes chronicles West’s $1.6-billion wipe-out post-Adidas split

The controversy surrounding West’s anti-Semitic remarks led to Adidas severing its multiyear contract with the rapper — citing a violation of the company’s core values of diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Before the termination of the deal, West had a net worth of $2 billion in June 2022. Forbes later reported a $1.6-billion plunge in West’s net worth to $400 million — describing it as a “self-induced downfall.”

Forbes highlighted the consequences of West’s anti-Semitic comments and the impact on his financial standing — particularly considering his partnership with the multi-billion dollar sportswear giant Adidas.