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, professionally known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Widely regarded as one of hip-hop's greatest figures, he's celebrated for his innovative and diverse musical approach. However, Ye is also known for sparking controversy through his outspoken cultural and political views, often generating polarizing reactions.

Sections (6)

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

August 2003: Album Postponement

In August 2003, the initial release date for Kanye West's album The College Dropout was postponed.

November 7, 2006: Public Apology

On November 7, 2006, Kanye West publicly apologized for his outburst at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards during his performance as a support act for U2 in Brisbane.

November 2007: Mother's Death

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

2009: Taylor Swift Incident

In 2009, during Taylor Swift's acceptance of her award for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West interrupted her to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. He was criticized for his actions and subsequently apologized.

November 2010: Recanting Apology

In a November 2010 interview, Kanye West seemed to recant his past apologies for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident, describing his actions as "selfless".

November 19, 2016: West Hospitalized After Concert Cancellation

On November 19, 2016, Kanye West abruptly ended a concert and was committed to the UCLA Medical Center with hallucinations and paranoia. The episode was initially described as "temporary psychosis" due to dehydration and sleep deprivation.

November 21, 2016: Cancellation of Saint Pablo Tour and Hospitalization

On November 21, 2016, Kanye West canceled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour. He was subsequently admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center due to temporary psychosis from sleep deprivation and dehydration.

2016: West Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

In 2016, Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although the diagnosis was not made public until 2018. He later questioned the diagnosis.

2018: West Discusses Opioid Addiction

In a 2018 interview, Kanye West said that he had become addicted to opioids after being prescribed them following liposuction.

2019: West Accepts Bipolar Diagnosis

By 2019, Kanye West had reportedly accepted his bipolar disorder diagnosis.

July 2020: Possibility of divorce acknowledged

In July 2020, Kanye West acknowledged the possibility of Kim Kardashian ending their marriage due to his adoption of anti-abortion views. Later that month, West wrote on Twitter that he had been attempting to divorce Kardashian and accused her family of trying to "lock him up".

2020: Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Kanye West ran an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign.

January 2021: Divorce discussions reported

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

Loading Video...

October 2022: Forbes estimates net worth drop

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

November 2022: Divorce settlement finalized

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

November 2022: Antisemitic statements and partnerships termination

In late November 2022, Kanye West made a series of antisemitic statements, leading to the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas. He also appeared at a dinner hosted by Donald Trump beside Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist.

December 2022: West Suggests He May Be Autistic

In December 2022, Kanye West suggested that he may be autistic.

2022: Controversy over Antisemitic Views

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

August 2024: Affidavit Alleges Nitrous Oxide Addiction

In August 2024, Milo Yiannopoulos stated in an affidavit that Kanye West was addicted to nitrous oxide, supplied by his dentist.

February 2025: West Reports Professional Autism Diagnosis

In February 2025, Kanye West stated that he had received a professional autism diagnosis.

May 2025: West and Censori Sue Dentist

In May 2025, Kanye West and Bianca Censori sued dentist Thomas Connelly for "medical malpractice, professional negligence, and related tortious and contractual violations" due to his alleged role in facilitating West's nitrous oxide addiction.