Challenges in the Life of Kanye West in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kanye West. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Kanye West, now known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper, singer, and record producer celebrated for his innovative musical style and often controversial public persona. He gained prominence as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to significant albums like Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' before launching his own successful recording career. His debut album, 'The College Dropout' (2004), garnered critical acclaim and featured the chart-topping single "Slow Jamz". He went on to have multiple number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Gold Digger," "Stronger," "E.T.," and "Carnival," solidifying his impact on popular music.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 2006: Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West

In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued Kanye West for trademark infringement related to the rapper's name and likeness usage in the "Touch the Sky" music video. Knievel objected to the video's content and portrayal of "Evel Kanyevel," claiming it damaged his reputation.

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November 2007: Death of Donda West

In November 2007, Kanye West's mother, Donda West, passed away, profoundly affecting him.

2008: Ended Engagement with Alexis Phifer

In 2008, Kanye West ended his 18-month engagement with Alexis Phifer.

2010: Relationship with Amber Rose Ended

In 2010, Kanye West's relationship with model Amber Rose ended.

2014: Sentenced for Misdemeanor Battery

In 2014, Kanye West was sentenced to two years' probation for misdemeanor battery after an altercation with a paparazzo at Los Angeles Airport. The sentence included anger management sessions, community service, and restitution to the photographer.

2015: Civil Lawsuit Settled

In 2015, a separate civil lawsuit brought by the paparazzo involved in the 2014 altercation with Kanye West was settled a week before it was due for trial.

November 19, 2016: Hospitalization for Hallucinations and Paranoia

On November 19, 2016, Kanye West abruptly ended a concert before being committed to the UCLA Medical Center due to hallucinations and paranoia. Initially described as "temporary psychosis" caused by dehydration and sleep deprivation, his condition was serious enough to trigger his insurance policy for 21 cancelled concerts.

November 21, 2016: Cancellation of the Saint Pablo Tour

On November 21, 2016, Kanye West cancelled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour after a week of no-shows, curtailed concerts, and political rants. Subsequently, he was admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center.

2016: Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

In 2016, Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The diagnosis was not made public until his 2018 album Ye. He later told President Donald Trump that it was a misdiagnosis.

2018: Addiction to Opioids

In a 2018 interview, Kanye West revealed that he had become addicted to opioids after they were prescribed to him following liposuction. He also mentioned addictions to alcohol, sex, and pornography.

2019: Acceptance of Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

Reportedly, by 2019, Kanye West had accepted the diagnosis of bipolar disorder again, although he had suggested it was a misdiagnosis.

July 2020: Acknowledged Possible Divorce and Attempted to Divorce Kardashian

In July 2020, Kanye West acknowledged the possibility of Kim Kardashian ending their marriage and later wrote on Twitter that he had been attempting to divorce her.

September 2020: Statement on not releasing music

In September 2020, Kanye West stated that he would not be releasing any further music until he is "done with [his] contract with Sony and Universal".

2020: Independent Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Kanye West ran an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign in the United States.

January 4, 2021: Publicist Pressured Georgia Election Worker

On January 4, 2021, a publicist linked to Kanye West allegedly pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to false charges of election tampering to support Donald Trump's claims of election interference.

January 2021: Reported Divorce Discussions

In January 2021, CNN reported that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were discussing divorce.

December 2021: Presidential Campaign Received Millions from Republican Operatives

In December 2021, it was reported that Kanye West's presidential campaign had received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, with payments not properly reported, potentially to conceal connections.

June 29, 2022: Copyright Infringement Complaint Filed

On June 29, 2022, a complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New York claiming copyright infringement due to unauthorized use of a sample on Kanye West's song "Flowers". The complaint alleges that West sampled Marshall Jefferson's 1986 house track "Move Your Body" without permission or compensation.

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July 2022: Lawsuit from David Casavant Archive

In July 2022, Kanye West was sued for $416,000 by the fashion rental company the David Casavant Archive. The lawsuit claimed that West failed to make payments on and return 13 rented pieces.

October 2022: Estimated Net Worth Dropped to $400 Million

In October 2022, Forbes estimated Kanye West's net worth had dropped to $400 million, largely due to Adidas's termination of their partnership following his antisemitic statements.

November 2022: Divorce Settlement Finalized

In November 2022, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's divorce settlement was finalized, with West ordered to pay $200,000 in monthly child support and be responsible for half of the children's medical, educational, and security expenses.

2022: Made Antisemitic Statements

In late 2022, Kanye West made a series of antisemitic statements, resulting in the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas.

2022: Antisemitic Views and Condemnation

Starting in 2022, Kanye West drew widespread condemnation for his antisemitic views, leading to lost sponsors and partnerships.

July 2023: Twitter Reversed Account Ban

In July 2023, Twitter reversed the ban on Kanye West's account, citing assurances from him that he would not post harmful content.

December 2023: Apologized for Antisemitic Remarks, Partially Retracted Statements

In December 2023, Kanye West apologized for his antisemitic remarks in a written statement on Instagram, but in a subsequent interview, he said "[s]ome of the stuff I was saying was true" and that Black people cannot be antisemitic because they "are Jew".

August 2024: Allegations of Nitrous Oxide Addiction

In August 2024, Kanye West's former Chief of Staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, alleged in an affidavit that West was addicted to nitrous oxide, supplied by dentist Thomas Connelly.

2024: Lawsuits for Wrongful Termination and Sexual Assault

In 2024, Kanye West faced multiple lawsuits. He was sued by a former assistant for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and breach of contract, which he denied. Additionally, a former model sued him for sexual assault and strangulation, claiming he choked and gagged her during a music video set.

February 2025: Antisemitic rant on X and Super Bowl Advertising

In February 2025, Kanye West went on an antisemitic rant on X, professing his love for Hitler, and purchased local advertising during Super Bowl LIX which directed viewers to his website, where he was selling a swastika t-shirt. He also defended Sean Combs from sexual abuse allegations.

April 2025: West Claimed Incestuous Relationship with Male Cousin

In April 2025, Kanye West said that he and a male cousin had an incestuous relationship as children, beginning when they attempted reenacting what they saw in gay pornography magazines. West claimed he performed oral sex on his cousin until he was 14.

May 2025: Lawsuit Against Thomas Connelly

In May 2025, Kanye West and Bianca Censori sued dentist Thomas Connelly for "medical malpractice, professional negligence, and related tortious and contractual violations", alleging he contributed to West's increased confusion, mood instability, anxiety, and depression by facilitating his nitrous oxide addiction.