Ye, formerly known as Kanye West is back in the headlines—and not for the reasons anyone expected. On X, Ye posted deeply disturbing reflections tied to his latest track, “COUSIN”—a raw, uncomfortable song about a jailed family member and childhood trauma.
The post quickly went viral, not only because of the confessional nature of Ye’s words, but because fans are once again wondering what exactly happened to the old Kanye. Writer and Moderate Paleoconservative Patrick Casey wrote, “Bring back Harley Pasternak,” referencing Ye’s former trainer and handler Harley Pasternak, who Ye previously accused of threatening to institutionalize and medicate him into submission.
“This song is called COUSIN,” Ye wrote. “About my cousin that’s locked in jail for life for killing a pregnant lady… perhaps in my self-centered mess I felt it was my fault…”
The post continues with graphic recollections of childhood abuse and guilt, painting a picture of a man unraveling—and fully aware of it. The tweet shocked even longtime Ye fans, many of whom questioned whether anyone in Ye’s circle still has the power—or the will—to intervene.
Ye's relationship with Harley Pasternak made headlines in 2022 when leaked messages showed Pasternak allegedly threatening Ye with institutionalization and forced drugging if he didn’t “behave.” Pasternak, a celebrity trainer with deep ties to military psychological operations, was thrust into the spotlight as fans speculated about his true role in Hollywood.
Now, fans are connecting the dots again. Maybe Ye was more focused and stable when Harley was around? Others, however, say this is just another step in Ye’s ongoing effort to tear down the entertainment industry’s darkest secrets—no matter how ugly or uncomfortable it gets.
Whether it’s brilliance or breakdown, Ye is once again getting the people talking.
Follow Patrick Casey on X.
