‘General Hospital’ Star Maurice Benard Explains Decision To Support Kanye West Amid Bipolar Episode

“General Hospital” star Maurice Benard knew there was going to be some backlash following his decision to support Kanye West amid the rapper’s bipolar episode, but he has no regrets.

The 57-year-old actor, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, opened up about why it was important for him to show compassion for West amid his difficult time.

In Benard’s latest “State of Mind” vlog series, the actor addressed his decision to speak out following West’s really last weekend. “The way I see it is, I don’t really care of your race, of your religion, anything, ’cause what I see and what I feel is someone’s pain,” he said.

“Knowing that Kanye West is bipolar, I’m a little more apt to have a little more compassion because I know what that pain is like. It’s not fun, OK?”

Benard went on to encourage his fans to refrain from judging someone when they do not know what is going on inside of the person’s mind.

The “GH” star’s comments come after the “Yeezus” rapper’s presidential campaign rally in which he revealed that he and his wife, Kim Kardashian, discussed abortion when she learned she was pregnant with their first child.

On Sunday, Benard tweeted out well wishes to West after watching the rally. “As I saw a video of @kanyewest it really saddened me, I don’t know the details, I have a gut feeling. From one Bipolar to another Bipolar, I truly hope you find your way,” he tweeted on Sunday.

This is not the first time the actor has opened up about his bipolar disorder. In an earlier vlog, Benard admitted that he has been through some tough times and credited his medication for keeping him stable.

“I’ve lived with it for over 30 years. I’ve been through three manic episodes, anxiety… too much… and depression,” he explained.

“I have been taking lithium for over 30 years. It pretty much saved me along with my wife.”