A troubling metal health episode may be responsible for Kanye West's recent announcement he wants to replace Donald Trump as US president, according to reports.
The pop star and reality TV husband has previously said he has bipolar disorder and was hospitalised in 2016 after suffering a temporary psychosis.
He was widely ridiculed this week over a bizarre Forbes interview that elaborated on his 2020 presidential election hopes along with his belief in various conspiracy theories and supernatural phenomena - but new reports about his mental state are no laughing matter.
According to celebrity gossip website TMZ, Kanye is "in the throes of a serious bipolar episode" and his loved ones "are concerned it has impacted his decision-making".
Fellow gossip publication People reports the 'Lift Yourself' rapper's wife Kim Kardashian is worried about him.
"In the past, he has suffered both manic and depressive episodes related to his bipolar disorder. Right now, he is struggling again," People quotes an unknown source as saying.
"Kim is concerned, as well as her whole family. It's super stressful for Kim, because Kanye's behaviour is very unpredictable."
Both reports also say Kanye's family are familiar with his bipolar cycles and are hopeful he'll stabilise soon.
TMZ notes that when Kanye made his infamous outburst about slavery being a choice at their offices in 2018, he admitted he'd stopped taking bipolar medication as it stifles his creativity.
