The reality TV star, who has been married to West for six years and shares four children with the rapper, took to Instagram on July 22 to defend her husband and shed light on his condition.
“As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand,” Kardashian said of West, who has previously shared he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“I’ve never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye’s right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health,” she continued.
Kardashian then explained that “the family is powerless” in getting West help, as those with mental illness must be willing to seek help first unless they are a minor.
“I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions,” Kardashian continued in her Instagram story.
“He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the personal loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is highlighted by his bipolar disorder,” she wrote in his defense.
“Those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words some times do not align with his intentions. Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable 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.”
Concern over West’s mental health has escalated following the 43-year-old’s announcement that he planned to run for the US presidency on Twitter on July 4. More recently, West made headlines after holding a campaign rally on July 19 in South Carolina, despite his failure to submit any of the requirements to get on the state’s ballot.
During his bizarre speech, West claimed that revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves.” He also broke down into tears speaking out against abortion, as he shared he and Kim considered terminating their first pregnancy.
That coupled with West’s since-deleted Twitter tirade that he had been trying to divorce his wife, seems to be what prompted Kardashian to take to her Instagram.
“We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however, we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it most,” Kardashian concluded the posts in her stories.
“I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this. Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye’s well being and for your understanding.”