Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has decided to postpone his upcoming concert in Marseille after French authorities indicated they would attempt to stop the event from taking place. This development follows Ye being barred from entering the U.K., 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 personally chose to delay the Marseille show until further notice to allow time for understanding and acknowledgment of his efforts to make amends. The rapper, who altered his name in 2021, was initially slated to perform at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on June 11.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez affirmed his commitment to exploring all avenues to prevent the concert from proceeding as scheduled. The Mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, had previously opposed Ye’s visit to the culturally diverse city, citing its rich history of immigration.
Ye has faced significant criticism for his antisemitic statements and public support for Adolf Hitler. Notably, he released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and promoted a swastika-themed T-shirt on his website last year, leading to the cancellation of his visa by Australian authorities. In January, the 48-year-old artist issued a formal apology in the form of a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his actions to a manic episode linked to his bipolar disorder.
In a recent message on X, Ye reiterated his accountability for his actions while expressing his desire to shield his fans from the controversy. He emphasized the importance of his supporters and expressed anticipation for future performances, concluding with a positive outlook for upcoming shows.