A Kanye West concert in Italy has been cancelled over public order and safety issues, following concerns from the local Jewish community about the rapper's previous antisemitic remarks.
Concert Cancellations in Reggio Emilia
The 48-year-old artist, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia on 18 July. However, the city's prefect, Salvatore Angieri, prohibited the event after receiving expressions of concern from the local Jewish community regarding West's past antisemitic statements.
Additionally, a concert by fellow US rapper Travis Scott, set for 17 July at the same venue as part of the Hellwatt festival, has also been cancelled. The two events were scheduled on consecutive days, leading to a combined assessment of risks.
Official Statement
A translated statement from the government of Reggio Emilia explained: 'The meeting was dedicated to examining the public order and safety issues associated with the American artist's (West) concert and the Travis Scott event, also scheduled at the RCF Arena.'
'Based on the assessments made during the committee meeting and further investigations into safety and security aspects, the prefect ordered the prohibition of both concerts.'
The decision took into account the venue's capacity of approximately 103,000 spectators and the large crowds expected within a 24-hour period. The statement added: 'The overall assessment also took into account the cancellation of previous concerts by the American rapper in other countries and the real risk of counter-demonstrations.'
Background of Controversies
In April, West's show in Marseille, France, was postponed after he was denied a UK visa earlier that month. This led to the cancellation of his headline appearances at London's Wireless festival, following backlash over antisemitic remarks.
West released a song titled 'Heil Hitler' in 2025 and previously advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website. He has also been criticised for posting antisemitic tweets and describing slavery as 'a choice'.
Apology and Mental Health
In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled 'To Those I've Hurt.' He wrote: 'I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.' He added that his bipolar disorder led him to fall into 'a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.'
After the cancellation of his Wireless performances, West offered to meet the Jewish community in London 'to listen'.
Artists' Careers
West has had three number one singles and three number one albums in the UK, with hits including 'Black Skinhead', 'Gold Digger', and 'Stronger'. Scott has achieved five UK top 10 singles and one number one album with 'Utopia'.
West is still scheduled to perform at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Turkey on Saturday and at the GelreDome football stadium in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on 6 and 8 June.
Both West and Scott have been contacted for comment.
