In August of 2018, artist and designer Kanye West made several public appearances where he acknowledged his diagnosis with bipolar disorder. But in a rambling, seemingly manic appearance with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday, West walked back his earlier statements claiming he was "misdiagnosed" and only "sleep deprived."
People with firsthand experience with the mental illness are inclined to believe his earlier statement.
Especially after where West went—and what West did—when he was done at the White House.
In an Apple Store in Washington DC, West climbed onto a table to give an impromptu and uninvited speech. Patrons of the store witnessing the "keynote" address were left baffled.
The clothing and footwear designer drew attention to his revised MAGA hat that he remade to say just "MAG" or "Make America Great." West stated from his tabletop stage:
"It hurts us as people, specifically black people, the idea [of MAGA], because we say, was America ever great for us? So we made an updated hat that said, 'Make America Great', and Trump wore the hat so he is open to adjusting and listening."
Several people captured the moment and shared it on Twitter. Being DC, reporters for CNN and Religion News Service lucked into the situation.
Caroline Kelly, breaking news reporter for CNN was among the confused crowd wondering why West decided to give a presentation in an Apple Store.
Kelly captured part of West's speech on her phone.
Jack Jenkins, a reporter for Religion News Service, also got to see the "keynote" address, as West referred his speech.
He captured the speech as well.
Jenkins shared West's important hat news too...
...and added West's parting words.
People were concerned for West's mental state after his visit to the Oval Office and accused Trump of exploiting a person experiencing a manic episode.
West's Apple Store appearance did not allay any fears for his health.
Although one person asked an important question regarding West's choice to go to an Apple Store.
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