American singer and songwriter John Legend has opened up about his former friend and collaborator Kanye West, suggesting that the loss of West’s mother in 2007 had a profound impact on his mental health.
In a recent interview with The Times, Legend reflected on Kanye’s well-documented struggles, noting that the rapper’s behavior began to noticeably change after the death of his mother, Donda West.
Kanye has publicly spoken about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, though he has since claimed he was misdiagnosed and believes he may actually be on the autism spectrum. His evolving mental health journey has sparked widespread conversation about how it influences his actions and public statements.
“It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now,” Legend said. “I didn’t see a hint of what we are seeing now—his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-Blackness. It is sad to witness his devolution.”
While emphasizing that he isn’t qualified to diagnose or psychoanalyze Kanye, Legend added, “After his mother passed in 2007, there was definitely a change. His descent seemed to begin then and has only accelerated.”
Legend’s remarks add to the ongoing public dialogue about Kanye West’s mental health and the personal losses that may have shaped his current state.
