Kanye West postpones France gig until further notice
Kanye West Postpones France Gig Until Further Notice
Renowned rapper Kanye West has delayed his scheduled performance in Marseille, France, indefinitely. This comes just days after the Wireless Festival in the UK was scrapped, a decision linked to the government’s refusal to allow him entry. French media suggested Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was exploring measures to block the June 11 event. An anonymous source close to the minister told AFP that Nunez was “firmly committed” to stopping the concert.
Background on Past Controversies
Over the past few years, West has drawn criticism for his antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi remarks. In 2022, he posted online declaring he would target Jewish people with “death con 3.” Later that same year, he appeared on a podcast with Alex Jones, stating, “I see good things about Hitler.” By May 2025, he had released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and sold T-shirts with swastika designs.
Recent Apology and Future Plans
West has been working to re-enter the public eye after issuing a lengthy apology in the Wall Street Journal in January. In the statement, he wrote, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.” He attributed his earlier comments to his bipolar disorder, saying he had “lost touch with reality.” His statement on X read: “After careful reflection, I have decided to delay my performance in Marseille, France indefinitely.” In a follow-up, he added, “It takes time for people to grasp the depth of my dedication to rectify my mistakes. I take full accountability for my actions but wish to shield my fans from the controversy. My fans mean everything to me. I’m excited for future performances.”
Originally, the European tour was set for this summer, featuring performances at Wireless in London and Marseille. However, as of Wednesday, his official site still listed shows in Turkey, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, along with a May 25 date in New Delhi, India. The Home Office confirmed that West had submitted an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application on Monday to enter the UK. The ETA is required for visitors without a visa for stays under six months or those without existing UK residency. The government cited West’s presence as not promoting the public good as the reason for denying entry.
