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Kim Kardashian-West Says Kanye Is Bipolar, Calls Disorder 'Incredibly Complicated and Painful'

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA/AP) - Kim Kardashian West is asking the public to show compassion and empathy to husband Kanye West, who caused a stir this week after fulminating in a series of social media posts. She says he is bipolar.

The Calabasas reality TV star and beauty mogul posted a lengthy message Wednesday on her Instagram Live feed, explaining that life has been complicated for her family and West, who ranted against historical figure Harriet Tubman and discussed abortion on Sunday while he declared himself a presidential candidate.

Kim Kardashian Kanye West
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian attend the Off-white 2017 Spring/Summer ready-to-wear collection fashion show, on September 29, 2016 in Paris. (ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)

"As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder. Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand. I've never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye's right to privacy when it comes to his health. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health," she wrote.

On Tuesday, in a series of since-deleted Twitter posts, West wrote that he's been considering divorcing his wife. In another post he called out Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner. On Monday, he claimed his wife tried to lock him up. And on Sunday at his political rally, the 21-time Grammy winner became tearful while talking about his mother, who died following plastic surgery complications in 2007.

West was apparently visited by Dave Chappelle and others immediately following his tweet-storm, and appeared at ease with famous friends at his side.

West and Kardashian West were married in 2014. They have four children.

Kardashian West thanked fans and friends for expressing concern about West.

"We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most. I kindly ask that the media and public give us the compassion and empathy that is needed so that we can get through this," she wrote. "Thank you for those who have expressed concern for Kanye's well being and for your understanding."

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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