A Kanye West concert in Italy has been cancelled over 'public order and safety issues', marking another blow to the rapper's European tour amid ongoing antisemitism controversies.
The 48-year-old artist, who now goes by Ye, was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival in Reggio Emilia on 18 July. However, local prefect Salvatore Angieri prohibited the event after the Jewish community expressed concerns about West's previous antisemitic remarks.
A concert by fellow US rapper Travis Scott, scheduled for 17 July at the same venue, was also cancelled due to the close timing of the two events, which could draw crowds of up to 103,000. The decision cited 'public order and safety issues' and the risk of counter-demonstrations.
This follows a series of cancellations, including a show in Marseille in April and headline appearances at London's Wireless festival after West was denied a UK visa. The rapper has faced backlash for releasing a song called 'Heil Hitler' in 2025, advertising swastika T-shirts, and making antisemitic comments online.
In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, stating he was 'not a Nazi or an antisemite' and attributing his behaviour to bipolar disorder. Despite this, his European tour continues to unravel, with only scheduled dates in Istanbul and the Netherlands remaining.
