Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, wrote on social media platform X, “After much consideration, it is my only decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice.”
Ye was scheduled to perform at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on 11 June. However, many political leaders called for the event to be canceled due to the artist’s well-documented history of making anti-Semitic statements.
French authorities protested against the concert
Marseille mayor Benoit Payan said the city “will not become a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism.”
“Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome,” he said in a post on X.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also expressed opposition, telling Politico on Tuesday that he was “very determined” to prevent the concert from going ahead.
The American rapper has faced repeated criticism in recent years over allegations of anti-Semitism. Last year, he released a song called “Heil Hitler” praising the Nazi dictator. He also promoted merchandise bearing Nazi symbols on his website.
In January, Ye published a full page advertisement wall street journal Titled “For Those I’ve Hurt.” In the statement he apologized for his bizarre behavior and anti-Semitic comments and attributed them to mental illness.
“I am not a Nazi or anti-Semite. I love the Jewish people,” the statement said.
UK bans entry of West
The postponement comes just days after the Wireless Festival in London was canceled following a Home Office decision to refuse entry into the United Kingdom.
Ye was scheduled to headline the festival in July. The Home Office said that their presence would not be “conducive to the public good”.
In a follow-up post announcing the postponement of her French concert on Wednesday, Ye told fans that they meant “everything” to her. “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends.”
Edited by: Elisabeth Schumacher