LOS ANGELES, USA — Rapper Kanye West, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016, now says that the diagnosis was incorrect and that he is actually on the autism spectrum.
This revelation, West claims, explains much of his erratic public behaviour in recent years.
Speaking on the podcast “The Download” with host Justin Laboy, West—who now goes by Ye—said that his wife, Bianca Censori, encouraged him to seek a new medical evaluation due to her skepticism over his previous diagnosis.
“I’ve come to find that it’s really a case of autism that I have,” West said, adding that his condition has contributed to his defiant and uncontrollable behaviour.
He referenced his 2007 hit song “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” as a reflection of his mindset.
Autism and Public Controversies
West attributed several of his most controversial moments to his autism, including his:
- 2018 endorsement of Donald Trump, when he famously wore a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat and declared “the mob can’t make me not love him.”
- 2022 antisemitic remarks, which led to the collapse of his Adidas Yeezy deal and the loss of over $1.5 billion in estimated net worth.
The rapper also expressed frustration at his inability to be controlled, stating:
“It’s so difficult for them, because this is like a grown man—you can’t take control of his bank account, you can’t control what I’m saying on Twitter.”
Refusing Bipolar Medication
West revealed that he no longer takes medication that was prescribed for bipolar disorder, claiming that it hindered his creativity.
“Autism takes you to a ‘Rain Man’ thing,” he explained, referencing the 1988 film about a man with autistic savant syndrome.
“When fans tell me to do my album a certain way, I’ll do it the opposite way… The constant feeling of not being in control spun me out of control.”
Upcoming Album and Grammys Controversy
West also announced that his new album, “Bully,” will be released on June 15.
The revelation comes days after his controversial appearance at the Grammy Awards, where he and Censori walked the red carpet.
His wife wore a completely sheer dress, sparking an online debate over whether it was an artistic expression or an act of coercion by West.
He later commented on X, saying:
“The invisible dress was tailored six times before the event: And just like magic, poof, we disappeared.”
A History of Mental Health Struggles
West has publicly battled mental health issues for years. In 2016, he abruptly ended a concert, was hospitalized for more than 10 days, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which he first disclosed in 2018.
At times, he has embraced the diagnosis, even incorporating it into his music, but has also called it a misdiagnosis on several occasions.
West also previously admitted to opioid addiction, which he said contributed to his erratic behaviour.
Financial Decline and Fallout
Once listed among the world’s billionaires, West lost his Adidas partnership—which accounted for $1.5 billion of his net worth—after his antisemitic rants in 2022.
Forbes now estimates his net worth at $400 million, though West has repeatedly claimed he is a billionaire once again.
As West continues to embrace controversy, his latest claim about autism raises new questions about his behavior, medical history, and how the public perceives his mental health journey.
