Candace Owens Stands by Kanye West Following Public Apology for Past Antisemitic Actions
Conservative commentator Candace Owens has publicly responded after Kanye West, now known as Ye, issued a formal apology for his previous antisemitic statements. The apology was published on Monday through The Wall Street Journal, where Ye openly discussed his mental health challenges and accepted responsibility for his past inflammatory words.
Ye's Public Apology and Mental Health Disclosure
In his detailed letter, Ye expressed deep regret for his previous comments and explicitly stated that he does not support hate speech or discrimination. The apology quickly gained widespread attention online, particularly through social media platforms where summaries of his statement circulated widely. Ye specifically apologized to both the Jewish community and the Black community, emphasizing that he was not seeking sympathy but rather hoping to earn forgiveness through his actions.
Ye revealed significant personal health information in his letter, explaining that he suffered head injuries from a car accident twenty-five years ago. Medical scans conducted in 2023 confirmed frontal lobe damage, which he believes contributed to medical errors in his mental health treatment and ultimately led to his Bipolar Type-I diagnosis. He described the frightening nature of this disorder, noting how it can convince individuals they don't need help when they actually do.
Candace Owens' Unwavering Support
Shortly after the apology was published, Candace Owens addressed the situation on her podcast, making her position clear. She described Ye as being like a brother to her and stated she would never abandon their friendship. While acknowledging that she doesn't always agree with his views or actions, Owens emphasized her continued personal support for him as an individual.
"If he wants to apologize to people that he specifically has hurt, he is welcome to do that," Owens stated during her Tuesday podcast episode. She clarified that Ye's apology was separate from her own political perspectives, particularly regarding international conflicts, stating: "This has nothing to do with my viewpoints whatsoever on Israel, people who mass murder children."
Owens made her support unequivocal when she declared: "I support Ye in everything that he does." She explained that their friendship thrives because neither attempts to change the other's fundamental nature. "Ye is always doing something whatever he wants to do. And the reason why he and I get on so well is because Ye's got to be Ye and Candace has got to be Candace. It's just how it works," she elaborated.
Owens' Previous Comments About Music Industry Practices
Earlier this year, on January 10, Owens had posted on social media platform X about her desire to use a brief sample of Ye's music for her podcast introduction. She revealed that she refused to pay licensing fees to music labels that control his catalog, accusing these companies of exploiting artists through unfair practices.
Owens called for legislative changes in the music industry, writing: "I feel like in the future there needs to be a law that after the industry moves to conduct, in effect, a public slave hanging, they should be required to release that person's likeness, social channels, voice and whatever else they may have once owned." This statement reflects her broader criticism of what she perceives as exploitative practices within the entertainment industry.
The public exchange between Ye's apology and Owens' response highlights ongoing conversations about accountability, mental health considerations, and the complexities of public figures navigating personal relationships amid controversy. Both individuals continue to maintain their distinctive public personas while addressing serious issues that have drawn significant public attention and discussion across various media platforms.
