Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has decided to delay his upcoming concert in Marseille after French authorities indicated they would attempt to prohibit the event. This move by Ye follows his recent ban from entering the U.K., where he was set to headline the Wireless Festival in July. The decision came in response to backlash over Ye’s history of making antisemitic comments.
In a statement posted on the social network X, Ye expressed that after careful consideration, he personally chose to postpone his Marseille show until further notice, emphasizing his commitment to making amends. The rapper, who adopted the name Ye in 2021, was originally slated to perform at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has affirmed his commitment to exploring all options to prevent the concert from proceeding as planned. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan had earlier opposed Ye’s visit to the culturally diverse city, citing concerns over promoting hate and Nazism.
Ye has faced widespread criticism for his antisemitic remarks and public admiration for Adolf Hitler. Notably, he released a song titled “Heil Hitler” and offered a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website. Australian authorities revoked Ye’s visa in July following the release of this controversial single.
In a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal in January, the 48-year-old musician apologized for his actions, attributing his behavior to a manic episode caused by his bipolar disorder. In his latest statement on X, Ye took full responsibility for his actions, expressing his dedication to his fans and looking forward to future performances.