Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has decided to delay his upcoming performance in Marseille due to French authorities indicating their intention to prohibit the concert. This move follows Ye’s recent ban from entering the U.K., where he was set to headline the Wireless Festival in July amid criticism over his history of antisemitic statements.
In a statement shared on the social platform X, Ye expressed that after careful consideration, he personally opted to postpone the Marseille show until further notice. He emphasized the importance of allowing time for others to comprehend the sincerity of his efforts to make amends.
Originally scheduled for June 11 at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome, Ye’s concert faced opposition from French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, who vowed to explore all avenues to prevent the event from proceeding as planned. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan also voiced his disapproval of the rapper’s visit to the diverse city, denouncing any promotion of hatred and Nazism.
Ye has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic comments and public admiration for Adolf Hitler, including releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler” and promoting a swastika T-shirt on his website. Following these incidents, Australian authorities revoked Ye’s visa in July, and he later issued a public apology in the form of a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal in January.
Acknowledging his past actions and their impact, Ye asserted his accountability while expressing a desire to shield his fans from the ongoing controversies. He reassured his supporters of his dedication to his craft and eagerly anticipated future performances.
