The fight to raise awareness about the mental health crisis in Hollywood has never been more present than it is today. With Olympian Simone Biles withdrawing from events to preserve their mental health, artists like Shawn Mendes canceling shows to provide a much needed break, and celebrities like Kristen Bell discussing their diagnoses and medications on live television, it’s hard to believe that the entertainment industry would allow Kanye West to remain this unhealthy and unstable for so long.
West was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016, and publicly addressed it on the cover art for his 2018 album, “YE.” The album cover showcases a beautiful, mountainous landscape with the words, “I hate being Bi-Polar its awesome,” written in neon green. On this album, West refers to his mental health struggle as a “superpower.”
After that album, West began speaking openly about his diagnosis and mental health on television. During an interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” West said bi-polar disorder causes him to “go high,” meaning he gets very energetic, erratic, and “ramped up.”
During one of these episodes, West infamously said that slavery was a choice in an interview. Director Spike Lee, Will.i.am, and other Black celebrities shunned West because of these comments and his newfound support of former President Donald Trump.
Recently, West become a topic of conversation again for wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt, tweeting anti-Semitic comments, and breaking partnership contracts with clothing brands.
Looking at his most recent tweets, Instagram posts, and interview responses, West is in one of those “high” moments. But physicians and celebrities seem to have a lack of concern for West’s health. Instead of continuing their efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health, Hollywood is shunning one of its own.
As a culture, we praise performers like Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus for talking about their substance abuse and depression. We encourage the spread of information about mental health facilities, physicians, and therapy. But, when there is someone obviously struggling on the national stage, he gets mocked, laughed at, and ultimately canceled.
Maybe it’s because he’s erratic, unreliable, and a flight risk for the image of Hollywood elites. The most plausible reason for this lack of assistance, though, appears to be his political opinions. Over the last few years, West has made his opinions on abortion very clear. He wore a photo of an ultrasound during New York Fashion week, posed with Candace Owens, and appeared on “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”
West has made inappropriate, hurtful comments that deserve to be condemned, and he should not be given a free pass just because of his mental instability. But, he also needs to be given the same resources and help that the entertainment industry gives to those whose views toe the line.
If we are going to reduce the stigma around mental health, it needs to start with celebrities like Kanye West. We cannot continue to ignore and dismiss West’s behaviors simply because that’s easier than addressing them.
