Ye, the artist previously known as Kanye West, has delayed his upcoming performance in Marseille as French authorities indicated they would move to prohibit the concert. The decision by Ye follows his recent ban from entering the United Kingdom, where he was set to headline the Wireless Festival in July due to backlash over his history of antisemitic comments.
In a statement on the social platform X, Ye expressed that after careful consideration, he has chosen to postpone his show in Marseille until further notice, emphasizing his commitment to making amends and the time needed to understand the sincerity of his actions.
The rapper, who altered his name in 2021, was initially scheduled to perform at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had promised to explore all options to prevent the show from proceeding as planned.
Earlier this year, Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan objected to Ye’s visit to the diverse city, known for its long history of immigration. Payan stated, “I refuse to let Marseille be a platform for those who endorse hatred and blatant Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our symbol of community and a place for all Marseillais.”
Ye has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic comments and expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler. He had released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and promoted a swastika T-shirt on his website. Following the song’s release, Australian authorities revoked his visa in July.
In an attempt to make amends, the 48-year-old artist published a letter in the Wall Street Journal in January, citing his struggles with bipolar disorder that led to destructive behavior. In his recent message on X, Ye took full responsibility for his actions, expressed his love for his fans, and anticipated future performances.
