Rabbi Pinto, full name Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, has long been a trusted spiritual and business guide for some of the world’s biggest names, and LeBron James is no exception. The basketball superstar has sought Pinto’s counsel, including a 2010 ‘big merchandising meeting’ on a private yacht off the coast of New York, reportedly paying six figures for Pinto’s guidance, TMZ reported.
Over the years, James has maintained a visible connection with Pinto, attending high-profile Jewish events and even holding hands with him at the 2022 New York City wedding of Jeffrey Schottenstein, son of billionaire Jay Schottenstein. Pinto has advised numerous business moguls and celebrities. Recently, Pinto also became the focus of attention when rapper Kanye West, now Ye, issued a public apology to him.
Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto heads the global organization Mosdot Shuva Israel, which operates in Ashdod, Israel, and New York City. Pinto is known for offering both spiritual guidance and business advice to celebrities, entrepreneurs, and political figures, earning him recognition as one of Israel’s wealthiest rabbis by Globes business journal in 2012.
His career has seen its share of controversy. In 2014, Pinto admitted to bribing a high-ranking police officer, which led to a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million shekels, served starting in February 2016. Despite this setback, Pinto returned to prominence and was appointed Chief Rabbi of Morocco in 2019, continuing his work as a spiritual advisor to high-profile figures.
What Made Kanye West Issue a Public Apology to Rabbi Pinto?
Kanye West, aka Ye, sat down with Rabbi Pinto in New York City on November 4, 2025, to express remorse and take “accountability”. Video clips of the meeting show Ye saying (via NY Post):
I feel really blessed to be able to sit here with you today and just take accountability. I was dealing with some various issues of bipolar, so it would take the ideas I had and have me take them to an extreme where I would forget about the protection of the people around me or and myself. So I wanted to come and take accountability.
Ye compared his behavior to a misbehaving child left alone in a house: “Now, when you get back, it’s your responsibility because that’s your child.” Pinto, speaking through a translator, hugged Ye and described him as a “very good man.”
A post shared by הרב יאשיהו פינטו | Rabbi Yoshiayao Yosef Pinto – Official (@rabbi_pinto)
He added:
A person is not defined by his mistakes, but by the way he chooses to correct them. This is the true strength of man: The ability to return, to learn, and to build bridges of love and peace.
The rapper’s history of controversial statements dates back to 2022, including threatening to go “death con 3 on Jewish people” on social media. These actions cost him significant business deals with companies such as Universal Music Group, Balenciaga, Adidas, and Gap.
Nicki Minaj ‘Happy to See’ Ye Apologize to Rabbi Pinto & Take Accountability for Hate Speech
Nicki Minaj expressed support for Ye’s recent actions on X, writing on November 6
Footage shared on social media shows the rapper sitting with Rabbi Pinto, listening intently, and acknowledging the impact of his words. Ye explained:
I was dealing with various issues of bipolar also, so I would take the ideas I had and forget about the protection of the people around me and myself. So I wanted to take accountability… It’s like if you left the house and you left your kid at the house and your kid went and messed up the kitchen and messed up the garage and messed up the living room. Then when you get back, it’s your responsibility because that’s your job.
Nicki Minaj praised Kanye West for taking responsibility, framing it as an essential first step toward rebuilding trust. Rabbi Pinto’s response underscored the importance of correcting mistakes and fostering reconciliation. Readers, what’s your take? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
