Kanye West's apology receives mixed response from Jewish organisations

Kanye West's apology over his antisemitic remarks has received a mixed reaction from Jewish organisations.

The Stronger rapper, also known as Ye, apologised to the Jewish community on Instagram on Tuesday for making antisemitic comments on social media and in public for more than a year.

"I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any unintended outburst caused by my words or actions," he wrote in Hebrew. "It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused."

The 46-year-old added that he was committed to learning and having "greater sensitivity and understanding" in the future and dedicated to "making amends" and working towards "promoting unity".

Kanye lost partnerships and business deals after making antisemitic remarks in October 2022. He has made offensive comments about Jewish people on and off since then, including at a Las Vegas album listening party two weeks ago.

Responding to his apology, representatives for the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement, "After causing untold damage by using his vast influence and platform to poison countless minds with vicious antisemitism and hate, an apology in Hebrew may be the first step on a long journey towards making amends to the Jewish community and all those who he has hurt. Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome."

However, a spokesperson for The American Jewish Committee criticised the rapper's use of Hebrew, arguing that he "intentionally" denied most American Jews and non-Jews from being able to read his apology.

"Beyond being bizarre and possibly a ploy to gain more attention, the Hebrew apology - posted without translation - is inaccessible to most American Jews who do not speak the language," they said in a statement to The Associated Press. "While he claims that he is committed to learning and greater understanding, this apology speaks to 'any pain I may have caused,' rather than acknowledging the pain that he has caused."

Kanye is gearing up to release Vultures, his joint album with Ty Dolla Sign, on 12 January.