Scheduled to perform on June 11 at the Orange Velodrome stadium in Marseille, Kanye West has postponed the concert in France “until further notice.”
Insisting the decision was his alone, the embattled rapper took to X with “After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice.”
The postponement of the show follows backlash over the booking with Mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan insisting he was not happy about the controversial musician performing in the city due to his previous history of anti-semitic comments.
In March, the politician took to X with “I refuse to let Marseille become a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome, our temple of living together and of all Marseillais.”
French interior minister Laurent Nunez also opposed the booking, with a spokesperson telling Politico the politician was “very determined” to make sure the concert did not go ahead.
Following criticism from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who defended the decision not to let West enter the country, the postponement comes a week after London’s Wireless Festival cancelled the event after the rapper (who had been set to headline all three nights of the event in July) was blocked from coming to the UK by the Home Office.
In a post on X, he wrote: “This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.” “We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.”
Following the Home Office’s decision to bar the American musician from entering the UK, Wireless Festival organizers confirmed the cancellation of the event, writing:
“The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.” “As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time. “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”
The decision to book West for the Finsbury Park festival led sponsors Pepsi and Diageo to withdraw their support.
Despite previously expressing admiration for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, Kanye had vowed to bring “peace, and love” to Wireless and offered to meet with “members of the Jewish community”.
In a statement released before the Home Office’s decision, the 48-year-old rapper said: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.” “My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music. ” “I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Jason Persse