John Legend Suggests Kanye West’s Mental Health Declined After Mother’s Death

American singer John Legend has weighed in on Kanye West’s controversial behavior in recent years, attributing a noticeable shift in the rapper’s mental health to the death of his mother, Donda West, in 2007.

In a recent interview with The Times, Legend reflected on his former friendship with West and the changes he has observed over time. While acknowledging that he is not a mental health professional, the “All of Me” singer said Kanye’s struggles appear to have deepened following his mother’s passing.

“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 – and it is sad to see his devolution.”

Kanye West has spoken publicly about his mental health, at times describing himself as bipolar and, more recently, suggesting he was misdiagnosed and is actually autistic. His remarks and behavior have continued to spark debate, especially in light of several antisemitic and controversial public statements in recent years.

Legend emphasized that, while he is cautious about making psychological assessments, it is difficult to ignore the timeline of West’s behavioral shift. “After his mother passed in 2007, there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently,” he said.

The two artists, once close collaborators, have grown apart over the years. Legend has previously cited differences in political views and personal values as contributing factors in their estrangement.