Disturbed frontman David Draiman has weighed in on Ye’s latest public apology, responding directly after the rapper took out a full page ad in The Wall Street Journal addressing years of antisemitic behaviour and rhetoric.
The statement, published Monday (Jan. 26), marked Ye’s most formal attempt yet to reckon with the fallout from his actions in 2022, when he repeatedly glorified Nazi imagery and made antisemitic remarks across interviews, social media, music and merchandise.
In the letter, titled ‘To Those I’ve Hurt’, Ye linked his behaviour to long term mental health issues stemming from a 2002 car accident that left him with a broken jaw and, he claims, an undiagnosed frontal lobe injury.
In the letter, Ye wrote: “I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret.”
He later addressed his most controversial actions directly, stating:
“In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it… I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
Ye also issued an apology to the Black community, writing:
“To the black community – which held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times. The black community is, unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.”
David Draiman responds
Shortly after the letter’s publication, Draiman, a vocal advocate for Jewish causes, responded publicly via X. Addressing Ye directly, he wrote:
“Dear @kanyewest
Thank you for this.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t undo the damage done, I’m not sure anything ever could…but allow me to suggest also…
Participating in Black/Jewish unity events, I’ll go with you?
Deleting ‘Heil Hitler’ from your catalog?”
Draiman’s response acknowledges the apology while making it clear that words alone are not enough. His own political positions have made him a polarising figure in recent years, particularly following backlash over his outspoken support of Israel during the Israel-Gaza war and his decision to sign an IDF artillery shell in 2024.
Ye closed his letter by saying:
“I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness.”
Whether that forgiveness comes remains an open question.
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