Kanye West Confronts Kris Jenner Saying “Rather Be Dead” in New Documentary

• 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 candid confrontation with Kris Jenner in his recently released documentary, “In Whose Name?,” has ignited significant public attention and discussion about his mental health struggles. The documentary, directed by Nico Ballesteros and released in September 2025, offers an intimate look at the rapper’s life from 2018 to 2024, revealing volatile moments including a heated exchange with his former mother-in-law Kris Jenner. In a striking segment, Kanye vehemently states he would “rather be dead than to be on medication,” shedding light on his deeply personal battle with bipolar disorder and his complex views on mental health treatment.

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

The documentary captures an emotionally charged moment where Kanye, visibly frustrated and wearing his iconic “Make America Great Again” hat, confronts Kris Jenner about the family’s handling of his hospitalization and mental health. Following his controversial 2018 visit to the White House with President Donald Trump, West and Jenner clash over his refusal to take medication, with Kanye accusing the family of demasculating him and implying that the only reason they got away with controlling his narrative was because he was medicated. Jenner responds with calm resolve, emphasizing that what matters is their love and concern for him rather than public opinion. This interaction reveals a raw, deeply personal side 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 struggles have been a public topic since the release of his 2018 album “Ye,” where he openly diagnosed himself with bipolar disorder. The album cover boldly states, “I hate being Bi-Polar / it’s awesome,” reflecting the duality of his experiences with the condition. The record delves into themes of his fluctuating moods, suicidal and homicidal ideations, and the profound impact his diagnosis has had on his life and artistry. Kanye has referred to bipolar disorder as his “superpower,” yet his struggle is evident through his candid lyrics and public behavior. The revelation helped fans and the public better understand his controversial actions and statements around that time.

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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