The mayor of Marseille has strongly opposed a planned concert by Kanye West, also known as Ye, saying the American rapper is “not welcome” in the city due to his history of antisemitic statements and praise for Nazi ideology.
The concert is scheduled to take place on June 11 at the iconic Stade Vélodrome, a city-owned stadium and one of the largest venues in France. The show is expected to be West’s only scheduled performance in France, although ticket sales have not yet opened.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Marseille’s Socialist mayor Benoît Payan declared that the controversial artist should not perform in the southern French city.
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism,” Payan wrote, emphasizing the city’s long-standing values of diversity and coexistence.
The mayor’s comments come amid renewed criticism of West, who has faced widespread backlash in recent years over racist and antisemitic remarks. The rapper, who has won 24 Grammy Awards and is one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop, has lost several corporate partnerships and sponsorship deals following repeated controversies.
The latest uproar was sparked by the release of a song titled “Heil Hitler” in May last year. The track was reportedly released to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a decision that drew strong condemnation from Jewish organizations and political leaders.
Despite the mayor’s opposition, local authorities may face legal limitations in attempting to block the performance. Under French law, public officials can only prohibit an event if there is a clear and immediate risk of public disorder or if the event itself is likely to involve criminal acts.
According to guidance from Council of State (France), the country’s highest administrative court, bans on public performances must meet strict legal thresholds to ensure that freedom of expression is not unjustly restricted.
Organizers of the concert say they have already taken measures to ensure the event complies with French law. The organizing agency, Mars 360, told Agence France-Presse that the contract signed with West’s team includes specific clauses preventing any illegal or hate-filled remarks during the performance.
The company said these safeguards were introduced to ensure that the concert proceeds in accordance with national laws governing hate speech and public safety.
The planned performance has also sparked criticism from political figures and community leaders beyond city hall. Fabienne Bendayan, a political candidate allied with the right wing in upcoming municipal elections, strongly condemned the idea of allowing West to perform.
Bendayan, who previously served as the regional head of the Jewish organization CRIF, said the rapper’s past statements make his appearance incompatible with Marseille’s identity.
“Someone who openly proclaims admiration for Hitler and espouses Nazi ideas cannot set foot on the stage of a city whose soul is woven from diversity, remembrance and brotherhood,” she wrote on X.
Marseille has long prided itself on being one of France’s most multicultural cities, with large communities originating from North Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe. The city’s leadership often emphasizes tolerance and coexistence as central to its identity.
West’s public controversies have repeatedly drawn international attention over the past several years. In addition to antisemitic comments, he has made remarks praising Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, statements that sparked widespread outrage.
In late 2023, the rapper issued a public apology to Jewish communities after saying in an interview that he “loved Nazis,” comments that further intensified criticism of the artist.
More recently, West has linked some of his behavior to mental health challenges. The musician, who has spoken publicly about living with Bipolar Disorder, acknowledged earlier this year that the condition can sometimes lead to what he described as “disconnected moments” resulting in poor judgment and reckless behavior.
Nevertheless, critics argue that such explanations do not excuse statements that promote hatred or extremist ideology.
For now, the concert remains scheduled for June, leaving French authorities to balance legal protections for artistic expression with growing public pressure to prevent the controversial performance from taking place.
As the date approaches, the debate surrounding West’s appearance in Marseille is likely to intensify, reflecting broader tensions over free speech, public safety and the responsibilities of artists whose words carry global influence.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members