Ye has emphasized that his recent apology to the Black and Jewish communities is not a calculated attempt to restore his public image before the release of his new album.

In an interview published by Vanity Fair on January 27, Ye addressed claims suggesting that his apology was merely a public relations tactic. He dismissed these notions, pointing out that his music continues to perform well despite his controversial remarks in recent years, which have alienated many.

“This, for me, as evidenced by the letter, isn’t about reviving my commerciality,” Ye said. “This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit. I owe a huge apology once again for everything that I said that hurt the Jewish and Black communities in particular. All of it went too far.”

He further reflected, “I look at wreckage of my episode and realize that this isn’t who I am. As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. It’s important that they realize and understand what side of history that I want to stand on. And that is one of love and positivity.”

On January 26, Ye published an open letter through an ad in The Wall Street Journal titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” extending an apology to the Black community and seeking forgiveness for his history of anti-Semitic behavior.