Rapper Kanye West, who has called himself Ye since 2021, was scheduled to perform on July 18 at the Pulse of Gaia festival at the Arena in Reggio Emilia. However, the local prefecture under Salvatore Angieri prohibited the concert. The decisive factor was concerns from the local Jewish community over the 48-year-old’s previous antisemitic remarks.
The decision was made for reasons of public order and safety, according to authorities. The local Jewish community had previously expressed concern over West’s repeated antisemitic comments. The prefect then drew consequences and annulled the permit for the open-air concert.
West has repeatedly attracted attention in recent years for anti-Jewish statements. Among other things, he spread conspiracy theories and made Holocaust relativizations in interviews and on social media. Numerous business partners and labels subsequently distanced themselves from him.
The Pulse of Gaia festival in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia is one of the largest music events in the region. With West’s cancellation, the festival loses one of its most prominent headliners. Other artists on the lineup are not affected by the decision.
EuroPulse reported on May 27 about the Turkish theater festival in Frankfurt, which expects 3,000 visitors (https://europulse.today/tuerkisches-theaterfestival-frankfurt-3000-besucher/).
Source: www.theguardian.com
