Kim Kardashian Asks Media, Public for ‘Compassion’ as Kanye West Lives With Bipolar Disorder
“Living with bipolar does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas,” Kardashian says
Brian Welk | July 22, 2020 @ 9:13 AM
Last Updated: July 22, 2020 @ 9:43 AM
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Kim Kardashian is asking the media and the public for “compassion and empathy” for Kanye West as he lives with his bipolar disorder in a public spotlight.
Kardashian said that though she has never commented about how West’s bipolar disorder has impacted their home life out of respect for West’s privacy and the privacy of their children, she said in a statement to her Instagram Story Wednesday that it is important for her to address it because of the “stigma and misconceptions” about mental health.
“We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to individuals who are living with it in times when they need it most,” Kardashian wrote. “I kindly ask that the media give us compassion and empathy that is needed so we can get through this. Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well-being and your understanding.”
Kardashian’s statement comes after West’s recent comments and actions have led fans and pundits concerned about his mental state to ask questions. West announced on July 4 that he would be running for president, and despite conflicting reports that he had already dropped out, West will appear on the presidential ballot in Oklahoma. He even gave a campaign rally in Charleston, South Carolina, that made headlines for his wide-ranging comments.
Kanye at one point in his rally broke down into tears as he discussed abortion and said that famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves, she just had them work for other white people.”
Kardashian said that while she understands that West is subject to criticism as a public figure, she defended his genius and explained that the pain he feels from his bipolar disorder is compounded by him losing his mother and from being a Black man and artist.
“Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions,” Kardashian said. “Living with bipolar does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unattainable they may feel to some. That is part of his genius, and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
West has also in recent days teased that a new album, “DONDA,” will also be on the way as early as this week.
See Kardashian’s full statement (via Yashar Ali) below:
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit nami.org.
Kanye's Presidential Run Draws Billionaires' Support - and Celebrity Eye Rolling
Kanye West decided to add to the surreality of 2020 by announcing on the Fourth of July that he's running an independent campaign to become President of the United States. While a couple of big names threw their support behind the "Jesus Is King" rapper, other celebs rolled their eyes. Here are some of the bigger reactions.
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Elon Musk • The Tesla founder supported Andrew Yang during the 2020 Democratic primary, but enthusiastically switched his back to West, tweeting that the rapper had his "full support."
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Mark Cuban • While the Dallas Mavericks owner and "Shark Tank" investor wasn't as full-throated in his support as Musk, he did have this to say when asked on Twitter if he would back West: “If there was Rank Choice voting available and [Kanye] was on the ballot with [Biden] and [Trump,] I would have [Kanye] ahead of [Trump]”
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Rose McGowan • The actress-activist also likes the idea of a Kanye candidacy, but only as a spoiler for Trump. "I support this mission," she said in response, captioning a planet circling the sun and tagging West. In a subsequent tweet, she wrote, "Do you think Kanye’s doing it to split votes or just be an anarchist?" she quipped.
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Octavia Spencer • On the other hand, the "Shape of Water" actress wasn't having any of this. "Too much foolishness today," she tweeted. "It’s obvious that some people live in a bubble. It’s about time to burst it."
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Tiffany Haddish • Some actors took West's announcement as an opportunity to "declare" their candidacy as well. Sort of. "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I too am running for president of the United States!" Haddish tweeted. And her running mate? Dave Chappelle.
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Bob Saget • "Should I run for President too?" the "Full House" actor tweeted. "I don’t much about anything."
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Paris Hilton • The media personality and socialite had the same idea as Haddish and Saget, but Hilton even came up with a great hashtag. "#PresidentParis," she tweeted. "I like the sound of that. #ThatsHot #MakeAmericaHotAgain."
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Billy Eichner • The "Billy of the Street" creator also got in on the big announcements. "Excited to announce I’m running for President....of SAG!!!!!" Eichner wrote. Gabrielle Carteris probably won't be happy about that.
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Eric Balfour • "Do you guys think this is all a joke? That potentially pulling votes away from the only nominee who can defeat Donald Trump is cute or funny?" the "Charmed" actor tweeted. "This is the height of privilege, ultimately it won't hurt you, you're wealthy enough to survive 4 more years of Trump! Come the f--- on!"
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Meghan McCain • "The View" cohost went all-in on West's fitness for the job. "There is no woman on planet earth, celebrity or private who could behave as unhinged and erratic as Kanye has the past few years & be taken seriously as a presidential candidate," McCain tweeted. "Women are punished for raising our voices on tv, let alone saying things like 'slavery was a choice.'"
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Chaley Rose • And the Nashville singer got right to the point, tweeting, "The cherry on top of a shit year." So, how do you really feel Chaley?
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Comedic actress Tiffany Haddish jokes, “I too am running for president of the United States!” Her running mate? Dave Chappelle
Kanye West decided to add to the surreality of 2020 by announcing on the Fourth of July that he's running an independent campaign to become President of the United States. While a couple of big names threw their support behind the "Jesus Is King" rapper, other celebs rolled their eyes. Here are some of the bigger reactions.