• Kanye West’s documentary “In Whose Name?” unveils a raw confrontation with Kris Jenner about his mental health and medication.
• The rapper openly resists psychiatric medication, stating he would “rather be dead” than remain medicated.
• Kanye’s bipolar disorder diagnosis was publicly revealed with his 2018 album “Ye,” which explores mental health themes deeply.
• The documentary highlights family tensions and the impact of public scrutiny on Kanye’s well-being.
• Kanye’s candidness has sparked dialogue about mental health, medication stigma, and celebrity struggles in the spotlight.

Kanye West’s direct confrontation with Kris Jenner in his newly released documentary, “In Whose Name?” has sparked widespread discussion and attention on his struggles with mental health. Directed by Nico Ballesteros and launched in September 2025, the documentary provides an in-depth view into the rapper’s life from 2018 to 2024, showcasing dramatic moments such as an intense argument with his former mother-in-law, Kris Jenner. In one powerful scene, Kanye declares that he would “prefer death over medication,” highlighting his personal battle with bipolar disorder and his complex perspectives on mental health treatment.

Kanye West Has a Confrontation With Kris Jenner in the New ‘In Whose Name?’ Documentary

The film depicts an emotionally charged encounter where Kanye, visibly upset and donning his signature “Make America Great Again” cap, confronts Kris Jenner over how the family managed his hospitalization and mental health issues. Following his contentious 2018 visit to the White House with President Donald Trump, West and Jenner argue about his refusal to medicate, with Kanye accusing the family of diminishing his masculinity and suggesting they controlled his narrative solely because he was on medication. Jenner responds calmly, underscoring that their care and concern for him are more important than public opinion. This interaction unveils a raw and deeply personal aspect of Kanye’s mental health journey and family dynamics.

The Disgraced Rapper’s Bipolar Disorder Revelation in 2018 Album ‘Ye’

Kanye West’s mental health issues have been a topic of public interest since his 2018 album “Ye,” where he candidly announced his diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The album cover boldly proclaims, “I hate being Bi-Polar / it’s awesome,” capturing the dual nature of his experiences with the condition. The album explores themes of mood swings, suicidal and homicidal thoughts, and the significant impact his diagnosis has had on his life and art. Kanye has described bipolar disorder as his “superpower,” yet his struggles are evident through his honest lyrics and public actions. This revelation provided fans and the public with a deeper understanding of his controversial behavior and statements during that period.

Kanye’s Frustration With Medication and Mental Health Treatment

In the documentary, Kanye’s outright rejection of psychiatric medication is a focal point of his dispute with Kris Jenner. He expresses how being medicated made him feel powerless and emasculated, stating, “Y’all demasculated me and made me feel like a piece of s—, and the only reason you got away with it is because I was medicated.” Kanye articulates a longing for autonomy over his mental health treatment choices, strongly resisting the pressure to conform to conventional medication plans. His declaration that he would “rather be dead than to be on medication” offers a stark insight into the stigma and fear surrounding psychiatric treatment, especially for artists coping with complex mental health issues.

Behind the Scenes of Kanye’s 2018 White House Visit and Public Controversies

The documentary also revisits Kanye’s controversial 2018 White House appearance, where he wore a red MAGA hat and vocalized support for President Trump, leading to substantial media backlash and personal criticism. These events coincide with a period of heightened public concern over his mental health, including a 2016 hospitalization after a psychiatric emergency. “In Whose Name?” features backstage footage and candid interviews that reveal the pressures Kanye faced in balancing fame, family expectations, and his own mental health. His tense confrontation with comedian Michael Che, who criticized Kanye for exploiting SNL for publicity, further illustrates the tumultuous nature of this phase in his life.

Kris Jenner’s Response and the Family Dynamics

During their intense exchange, Kris Jenner reiterates her love and concern for Kanye, emphasizing that her care comes from the family’s perspective rather than public scrutiny. She admits that her actions and the family’s expectations may have affected Kanye’s mental health, expressing her desire for harmony, particularly regarding her daughter Kim Kardashian’s relationship with Kanye. This moment of vulnerability showcases the complexities of their family dynamics intertwined with Kanye’s mental health journey. The documentary does not show a resolution but provides an honest testament to the challenges of supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder in the public eye.

The Impact of Kanye’s Public Statements on His Career and Reputation

Kanye West’s openness about his bipolar disorder and rejection of medication has been met with mixed reactions from fans, mental health advocates, and the media. While some admire his candidness and bravery, others worry about the potential consequences of such statements, especially given his influence. His 2022 antisemitic posts and subsequent fallout—including suspension from social media platforms and loss of major brand partnerships—have further complicated his public image. The documentary also touches on these controversies, highlighting the delicate balance between his mental health challenges and public persona.

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