Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has decided to delay his upcoming performance in Marseille, France, following the announcement by French authorities of their intention to prohibit the concert. This choice by Ye comes after he was recently barred from entering the United Kingdom, where he was set to headline the Wireless Festival in July, due to backlash over his history of antisemitic comments.
In a statement posted on the social platform X, Ye expressed that it was his personal decision to postpone the Marseille show until further notice, emphasizing the need for time to demonstrate his genuine commitment to making amends. The artist, who adopted the name Ye in 2021, was originally scheduled to perform at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on June 11.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s office confirmed their determination to explore all options to prevent the concert from proceeding as planned. Earlier, Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan had voiced opposition to Ye’s visit to the culturally diverse city, citing concerns over promoting hatred and Nazism.
Ye has faced widespread criticism for his antisemitic statements and expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler. Notably, he released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and offered a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website. In response, Australian authorities revoked Ye’s visa in July following the release of the controversial single.
In a public apology published in the Wall Street Journal in January, the 48-year-old artist attributed his past actions to a manic episode induced by his bipolar disorder, acknowledging the destructive impact on his life. Ye reiterated his accountability in a recent message on X, stressing his desire to shield his fans from the controversy while expressing anticipation for future performances.