The mayor of Marseille, France’s second-largest city, has publicly stated that Kanye West, also known as Ye, is “not welcome” after the rapper announced a concert on June 11 at the city-owned Velodrome stadium.
The 48-year-old music star, a 24-time Grammy winner, has faced intense backlash in recent years over racist and antisemitic comments, including a song titled “Heil Hitler” released last May to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat.
Socialist mayor Benoit Payan emphasised on X:
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism.”
The Velodrome concert, West’s only French date, has yet to open ticket sales. While the mayor’s stance is clear, French law allows authorities to ban events only under strict conditions, if statements at the concert constitute a criminal offence or threaten public order, according to France’s highest administrative court.
Concert organisers Mars 360 told AFP that they included clauses in West’s contract to ensure French law is respected and no illegal remarks are made during the performance.
Meanwhile, Fabienne Bendayan, former regional head of the Jewish group CRIF and a right-wing municipal candidate, also opposed the show, saying on X:
“Someone who openly proclaims his admiration for Hitler and espouses Nazi ideas cannot set foot on the stage of a city whose very soul is woven from diversity, remembrance and brotherhood.”
Ye has openly discussed his struggles with bipolar disorder, stating in January that it sometimes results in “disconnected moments” and poor judgment. In late 2023, he apologised to Jewish communities for comments in which he said, “I love Nazis.”
The controversy reignites debates over free expression, public safety, and the responsibilities of performers with a history of inflammatory remarks in France.
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