Italy has canceled two upcoming concerts featuring American rappers Kanye West and Travis Scott in July in Reggio Emilia, citing concerns over public order and security. The decision to cancel the performances was made by the local prefect, Salvatore Angieri, due to potential protests and security issues.
Kanye West, also known as Ye, has faced multiple cancellations in Europe this summer following a history of making antisemitic remarks, including statements that praised Adolf Hitler and the use of Nazi imagery. Travis Scott, on the other hand, has been under scrutiny for safety concerns at his concerts since a tragic crowd crush at the Astroworld festival in Houston in 2021 that resulted in 10 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The Pulse of Gaia Festival, where Travis Scott was scheduled to perform on July 17 at the 103,000-seat RCF Arena, and Kanye West’s performance the following day were both called off. The decision to cancel the concerts came after requests from consumer group CODACONS and concerns raised by the Jewish community in Modena and Reggio Emilia, particularly regarding Kanye West.
Authorities pointed to the close timing of the two concerts, the expected large number of attendees within a short period, and the “concrete risk” of protests as reasons for the ban. Kanye West has faced entry denials and cancellations in other European countries like the UK, France, Poland, and Switzerland due to his past remarks, which he attributed to untreated bipolar disorder. Despite the cancellations, Kanye West has continued performing in countries that have welcomed him.
There has been no immediate response from Kanye West, Travis Scott, or event organizers in Italy regarding the cancellations.
