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Kanye West has postponed his upcoming concert in Marseille, France, as pressure mounted from political leaders and ongoing controversy surrounding his past antisemitic statements.
“After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” West wrote in a statement shared on social media.
The decision follows strong opposition from French officials. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was reportedly “highly determined” to prevent the concert from going ahead, while Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan publicly rejected the idea of hosting the artist. Payan stated the city would not “be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism,” adding, “Kanye West is not welcome.”
The postponement also comes shortly after West faced similar challenges in the United Kingdom. His planned headline performance at London’s
Wireless Festival was canceled after authorities denied him entry into the country, citing concerns that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good.”
West has faced widespread criticism in recent years over a series of antisemitic and controversial remarks, including statements perceived as praising Adolf Hitler. In response, he issued a public apology earlier this year, writing, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
In a follow-up message to fans after announcing the Marseille postponement, West acknowledged the ongoing backlash and the time it may take to rebuild trust.
“I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends,” he said, adding, “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.” Despite the setback, several of West’s other European tour dates remain listed, with performances planned in countries including Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
The decision follows strong opposition from French officials. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was reportedly “highly determined” to prevent the concert from going ahead, while Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan publicly rejected the idea of hosting the artist. Payan stated the city would not “be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism,” adding, “Kanye West is not welcome.”
The postponement also comes shortly after West faced similar challenges in the United Kingdom. His planned headline performance at London’s
Wireless Festival was canceled after authorities denied him entry into the country, citing concerns that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good.”
West has faced widespread criticism in recent years over a series of antisemitic and controversial remarks, including statements perceived as praising Adolf Hitler. In response, he issued a public apology earlier this year, writing, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
In a follow-up message to fans after announcing the Marseille postponement, West acknowledged the ongoing backlash and the time it may take to rebuild trust.
“I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends,” he said, adding, “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.” Despite the setback, several of West’s other European tour dates remain listed, with performances planned in countries including Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
