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, also known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper, singer, and record producer recognized for his significant impact on hip-hop. Celebrated for his innovative and evolving musical style, he is often considered one of the greatest rappers ever. However, West's artistic achievements are frequently juxtaposed with his controversial public image and often polarizing commentary on cultural and political issues.

Sections (6)

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

August 2003: Initial release date postponement for 'The College Dropout'

In August 2003, the initial release date for Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was postponed, leading to revisions and improvements before its eventual release.

November 7, 2006: Public Apology for MTV Europe Music Awards Outburst

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's Vertigo concert in Brisbane.

November 2007: Mother's Death

In November 2007, Kanye West's mother's death profoundly affected him.

2009: MTV Video Music Awards Incident

In 2009, during the MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead, leading to widespread criticism and his removal from the show.

November 2010: Seeming Recantation of 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".

2014: Sentenced to Probation After Altercation with Paparazzo

In 2014, after an altercation with a paparazzo at the Los Angeles Airport, Kanye West was sentenced to two years' probation for misdemeanor battery. He was also required to attend anger management sessions, perform community service, and pay restitution to the photographer.

2015: Settlement of Civil Lawsuit with Paparazzo

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: Abrupt End to Concert and Commitment to UCLA Medical Center

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

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

On November 21, 2016, Kanye West cancelled the remaining dates of the Saint Pablo Tour after a week of erratic behavior. He was then admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center due to temporary psychosis stemming from sleep deprivation and dehydration.

2016: Diagnosis with Bipolar Disorder

In 2016, Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although this diagnosis was not publicly revealed until his 2018 album, Ye. He later questioned the accuracy of the diagnosis.

2018: Addiction to Opioids and Other Substances

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. West said that he often experiences suicidal ideation.

January 2019: Pulling Out of Coachella Festival

In January 2019, Kanye West pulled out of headlining that year's Coachella festival due to discord regarding stage design negotiations.

July 2020: Potential 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 that the Kardashian family was attempting "to lock [him] up".

2020: Unsuccessful 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.

June 29, 2022: Copyright Infringement Complaint for "Flowers"

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

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July 2022: Lawsuit by David Casavant Archive for Unreturned Rentals

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

October 2022: West's Net Worth Drops

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 a series of public antisemitic statements.

2022: Antisemitic Statements and Fallout

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

2022: Condemnation for antisemitic views

Starting in 2022, Kanye West faced widespread condemnation and lost sponsorships and partnerships due to his antisemitic views.

August 2024: Allegations of Nitrous Oxide Addiction

In August 2024, Kanye West's former Chief of Staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, stated in an affidavit that West was addicted to nitrous oxide and that dentist Thomas Connelly was allegedly supplying the drugs for $50,000 a month.

2024: Lawsuits for Wrongful Termination and Sexual Assault

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

April 2025: West Describes Incestuous Relationship

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 said that he performed oral sex on his cousin until he was 14, when he ended the relationship.

May 2025: Lawsuit Against Thomas Connelly

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