PARIS – The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has decided to postpone his concert in Marseille, France, following a request from local authorities to ban the show. This decision comes after Ye faced backlash for his previous controversial remarks, including antisemitic comments, which have sparked outrage worldwide.
Just last week, Ye was banned from entering the U.K. for a scheduled performance at the Wireless Festival, further highlighting the ongoing consequences of his actions. In a message posted on the social media platform X, he stated, “After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice. I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends.”
Originally, Ye was set to perform at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11. However, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed his intention to explore all options to prevent the concert from taking place. This situation has raised significant concerns among local officials and community leaders.
Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan has been vocal in his opposition to Ye’s concert, stating, “I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of community and home to all Marseillais.” This sentiment reflects the city’s rich multicultural history and its commitment to inclusivity.
Ye’s controversial behavior includes making antisemitic statements and expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler. Last year, he even released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and marketed a T-shirt featuring a swastika on his website. These actions led to widespread condemnation and resulted in the cancellation of his visa in Australia.
In January, Ye issued an apology, stating that his bipolar disorder contributed to his erratic behavior during a manic episode. He described this period as “psychotic, paranoid and impulsive,” leading to significant personal and professional consequences. In his latest message on X, he emphasized, “I take full responsibility for what’s mine but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it. My fans are everything to me. Looking forward to the next shows. See you at the top of the globe.”
