Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has decided to delay his upcoming concert in Marseille, France, due to French authorities expressing intentions to prohibit the event. This move follows Ye being barred from entering the United Kingdom, where he was set to headline the Wireless Festival in July, following backlash over his history of making antisemitic comments.
In a statement on the social platform X, Ye stated, “After careful consideration, I have chosen to postpone my Marseille show in France until further notice. I understand that it will take time for my commitment to reconciliation to be recognized.” The rapper, who changed his name in 2021, was slated to perform at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez affirmed that efforts were being made to ensure the show would not proceed as planned. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan had previously opposed Ye’s visit to the culturally diverse city, known for its rich history of immigration.
Ye has faced widespread criticism for his antisemitic remarks and expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler. He had released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and promoted a swastika T-shirt on his website, leading to the cancellation of his visa by Australian authorities in July. Ye publicly apologized in January through a letter published in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his actions to his bipolar disorder.
In a recent message on X, Ye took accountability for his actions, stating, “I acknowledge my responsibility, but I do not wish to involve my fans in the situation. My fans mean everything to me. I am excited for future performances and look forward to meeting you at the top of the world.”