Kanye West postpones French show amid political backlash

Earlier in April, West was denied a UK visa, which led to the cancellation of his headline appearance at Wireless Festival. The entry denial was based on his repeated antisemitic remarks.

"After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice," Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, wrote on social media platform X.

Ye had been scheduled to perform at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome on June 11. However, many political leaders had called for the event to be canceled due to the artist's well-documented history of making antisemitic statements.

French officials oppose concert

Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan said the city would not "be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism."

"Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome," he added in a post on X.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also expressed opposition, telling Politico on Tuesday that he was "very determined" to prevent the concert from going ahead.

The US rapper has faced repeated criticism in recent years over allegations of antisemitism. Last year, he released a song called "Heil Hitler," praising the Nazi dictator. He also promoted merchandise featuring Nazi symbols on his website.

In January, Ye published a full-page advertisement on the Wall Street Journal titled "To Those I’ve Hurt." In the statement, he apologised for his bizarre behavior and antisemitic comments, attributing them to mental illness.

"I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people," the statement said.

UK blocks West's entry

The postponement comes just days after the Wireless Festival in London was canceled following the Home Office's decision to deny Ye entry to the United Kingdom.

Ye had been scheduled to headline the Festival in July. The Home Office said his presence would not be "conducive to the public good."

In a follow-up post announcing the postponement of his French concert on Wednesday, Ye told fans that they were "everything" to him. "I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to making amends."

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher