“It Feels Sad to See Him Now” — John Legend Reflects on Kanye West’s Mental Health Journey and Troubling Evolution

In a deeply reflective interview with The Times, award-winning singer John Legend shared his thoughts on the public unraveling of his former friend and collaborator, Kanye West, drawing a connection between Ye’s emotional descent and the tragic death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007.

“It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now… I didn’t see a hint of what we are seeing now — his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-blackness,” Legend said.
“After his mother passed, there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”

While Legend stopped short of diagnosing Ye — who has publicly discussed being bipolar and recently claimed he was misdiagnosed — he emphasized that mental health challenges might be playing a role in the rapper's controversial behavior.

🧠 Opinion: John Legend’s Empathy Is a Reminder That Accountability and Compassion Can Coexist

What makes Legend’s comment resonate isn’t just the concern — it’s the balance of care and clarity. He didn’t excuse Kanye’s offensive remarks. Instead, he acknowledged the painful truth: sometimes, the strongest people lose themselves in silence after loss.

Kanye West is a complicated figure. A creative genius to many, a controversial figure to others. But if his behavior is indeed influenced by unresolved grief and mismanaged mental health, it raises tough questions:
How do we support public figures without enabling them? When do we stop listening, and when do we lean in?

It’s a conversation that transcends fame. Legend’s words reflect how even the closest friends can become distant observers when someone they love changes beyond recognition.

Let’s hear your take:
💬 Can compassion and criticism coexist in dealing with mental health and public controversy?
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