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We kind of saw this coming. Ye is responding to renewed scrutiny following the apology he published in The Wall Street Journal on January 26. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, the artist and fashion entrepreneur addressed speculation that the statement was crafted to repair his image ahead of upcoming music and business ventures.
The conversation comes as Ye continues to face criticism over past antisemitic remarks, the professional consequences that followed, and his ongoing discussions about mental health. Vanity Fair asked Ye directly whether the apology was intended to reset his standing in the industry. He dismissed that framing outright.
Pointing to his current reach, Ye noted that he remains “in the top 10 most listened-to artists overall in the U.S. on Spotify in 2025.” He also referenced demand for his upcoming album Bully, which he said is among the platform’s most anticipated pre-saves. In addition, Ye highlighted the continued popularity of his catalog, stating that his 2007 album Graduation was the most streamed hip hop album of 2025.
According to Ye, those metrics undermine the idea that his apology was driven by commercial necessity rather than personal reflection.
“This isn’t about reviving my commerciality,” he said. “These remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.”
The interview framed the apology as part of a broader moment of introspection for Ye, rather than a calculated move tied to releases or branding. While debate around his past statements continues, Ye maintains that the motivation behind the apology was internal, not transactional.