The artist who was once known as Kanye West has called off his scheduled performance in Marseille, France following threats from government officials to prohibit the concert from taking place.
This latest cancellation follows Ye being barred from the United Kingdom just one week prior, where he was set to be the main act at the Wireless Festival in July. The rejections stem from ongoing criticism of the performer’s history of making antisemitic statements.
Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Ye announced his decision: “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.”
The performance was originally set to take place at the Stade Vélodrome stadium on June 11. The artist legally changed his name in 2021.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had committed to investigating “all possibilities” to prevent the concert from proceeding as scheduled, according to statements from his office.
Marseille’s mayor, Benoît Payan, had already voiced strong opposition to hosting the rapper in the diverse Mediterranean city, which has welcomed immigrants for hundreds of years.
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism,” Payan declared. “Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of community and home to all Marseillais.”
The 48-year-old performer has faced severe criticism for expressing antisemitic views and publicly praising Adolf Hitler.
Last year, Ye released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and promoted merchandise featuring Nazi symbols on his website. Australian officials revoked his visa in July following the song’s release.
In January, the rapper issued an apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. He attributed his actions to his bipolar disorder, stating it caused him to experience “a four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life.”
In his recent social media statement, Ye added: “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.”
