A Kanye West concert in Italy has been cancelled due to public order and safety concerns, following objections from the local Jewish community over the rapper's previous antisemitic remarks. The 48-year-old artist, also known as Ye, was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia on 18 July.
Reggio Emilia's prefect, Salvatore Angieri, prohibited the event after a meeting examining safety issues, also cancelling a concert by fellow US rapper Travis Scott scheduled for 17 July at the same venue. The decision cited the close timing of the two events and the expected large crowds of up to 103,000 spectators within 24 hours.
Authorities noted the real risk of counter-demonstrations and the cancellation of previous West concerts in other countries. West has faced widespread criticism for antisemitic remarks, including releasing a song called 'Heil Hitler' in 2025 and advertising a swastika T-shirt. He apologised in a Wall Street Journal advert in January, attributing his behaviour to bipolar disorder.
Travis Scott's concert was also cancelled due to safety concerns, following the 2021 Astroworld festival tragedy where 10 people died in a crowd surge. Both rappers have had significant success in the UK, with West achieving three number one singles and albums, and Scott securing five top 10 singles and a number one album.
West is still scheduled to perform in Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday, and in Arnhem, Netherlands, on 6 and 8 June.
