Kanye West Said His Fans Shouldn’t Suffer as France Considers Banning Him
Ye — the artist formerly known as Kanye West — recently postponed a concert in France amid conversations about whether or not he could play a show there. Shortly after the United Kingdom barred him from entering to play Wireless Festival, France is considering a similar decision. Ye said that while he understands he needs to make amends for his history of antisemitism, he doesn’t think his fans should suffer.
Kanye West recently postponed a show in France
Ye had a concert scheduled in Marseille, France, on June 11. The French interior ministry said they were considering banning the concert. Benoît Payan, the mayor of Marseille, and Laurent Nuñez, France’s interior minister, believe that Ye’s history of antisemitism, including a song called “Heil Hitler,” should be enough to keep him from the country.
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism,” Payan wrote on social media. “Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of living together and of all Marseillais.”
Amid this consideration, Ye announced that he was postponing the show.
“After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Kanye West posted about his fans after the France concert postponement
In January, Ye apologized for years of antisemitism. He attributed his behavior to his bipolar disorder. He has noted that he wants to make amends for his behavior, but believes that concert cancellations unfairly punish his fans.
“I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends,” he wrote on X. “I take full responsibility for what’s mine but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it. My fans are everything to me. Looking forward to the next shows. See you at the top of the globe.”
While several countries have blocked Ye from entering, he still made $33 million in two recent Los Angeles shows.
The United Kingdom recently barred him from entering
France’s potential ban on Ye’s concert comes shortly after the United Kingdom barred his entry.
“Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer 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.”
Shortly before officials blocked his Electronic Travel Authorisation application, Ye issued a statement claiming he wanted to play a show that promoted peace.
“I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly,” he said in a statement (via Rolling Stone). “My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.”
He offered to meet with members of the Jewish community.
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen,” he said. “I know words aren’t enough — I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
Some Jewish groups said they had no desire to meet with him. Others said they would, but they still didn’t want him playing Wireless Festival.