French authorities are taking steps to prevent controversial US rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, from performing in the southern city of Marseille, amid renewed backlash over his past antisemitic remarks.
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, is reportedly exploring all legal avenues to block the scheduled June 11 concert at the city’s Velodrome Stadium. A source close to the minister said he is “highly determined” to stop the event from going ahead.
The move follows widespread criticism of the rapper, who has sparked outrage in recent years for making antisemitic statements and expressing admiration for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
Local opposition in Marseille has also intensified. The city’s mayor, Benoit Payan, has publicly rejected the idea of hosting the artist, stating he would not allow the city to serve as “a showcase for those who promote hatred.”
The controversy extends beyond France. The United Kingdom has already barred West from entry, leading to the cancellation of a festival he was slated to headline. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the decision to book the rapper as “deeply concerning.”
In contrast, authorities in the Netherlands have not yet taken steps to restrict his entry, with Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink indicating no immediate plans for a ban.
The latest developments come after West’s continued run-ins with controversy, including the release of a song titled “Heil Hitler” in 2025, which was swiftly banned across major streaming platforms. He had also drawn backlash for promoting a swastika-themed shirt via his website.
Although the rapper has since expressed regret, attributing his actions to struggles with bipolar disorder, the fallout continues to impact his international engagements.
French authorities are expected to make a final decision on the Marseille concert in the coming weeks, as pressure mounts to prevent the performance from going ahead.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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