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Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, announced the postponement of his June 11 concert in Marseille on Tuesday night.
This decision follows moves by French authorities to block the rapper from performing in the country’s oldest city. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed his office is exploring legal paths to ban the event due to the artist's history of antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments.
“After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” West wrote on X.
He later added that he takes full responsibility for his actions and does not want to put his fans "in the middle of it."
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan publicly campaigned against the concert as early as March.
He stated on social media that he refuses to let the city become a showcase for those who promote "unapologetic Nazism." Payan described the Velodrome stadium as a "temple of living together" where West is not welcome.
Nunez met with local officials last week to discuss a formal ban.
While French law only allows authorities to cancel a concert if statements at the event risk constituting a criminal offense or threatening public order, sources indicate Nunez remains highly determined to bar the performance.
The postponement in France comes shortly after the United Kingdom denied West entry on April 7.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer argued that West should never have been invited to perform at London's Wireless Festival due to his previous outbursts.
West has faced intense scrutiny for several high-profile incidents, including:
Following the British government’s decision, sponsors withdrew from the Wireless Festival, leading to its total cancellation.
Despite his controversial history, West maintains that he is trying to change his image.
He attributed his past conduct to bipolar disorder and expressed regret. “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends,” West posted on Tuesday.
While France and the U.K. have taken firm stances, other European nations remain undecided.
Dutch Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink stated last week that the Netherlands currently has no plans to bar the rapper from entry. West concluded his recent statements by saying he looks forward to future shows at the "top of the globe."
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