Kanye West 'looks forward' to his next shows amid French gig cancellation: 'Not welcome!'

Lydia Davies
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:39:56 +0000

Kanye West has cancelled his planned Marseille concert after mounting political pressure over his past controversies.

The American rapper, who now goes by Ye, confirmed the decision in a statement posted on X.

"After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice," he wrote.

The 48-year-old’s announcement comes as opposition from French officials intensified in the lead-up to the event.

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Mr West had been due to perform at the Orange Velodrome on June 11 as part of his 2026 tour.

However, the concert drew widespread criticism following his history of antisemitic remarks and use of Nazi imagery, prompting backlash from political figures at multiple levels of government.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had made clear his intention to stop the performance from going ahead, stating he was "very determined" to block the event.

The city’s mayor, Benoit Payan, also took a firm public stance, declaring: "I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism."

He added: "Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome."

According to Le Monde, France’s highest administrative court has indicated concerts can only be banned under specific conditions, including where there is a genuine threat to public order or risk of criminal offences.

The Marseille cancellation follows Mr West’s failed attempt to enter the United Kingdom earlier this month, which led to the collapse of his planned headline appearances at Wireless Festival in London’s Finsbury Park.

He had initially been granted entry via electronic travel authorisation, but the decision was overturned by Home Office officials.

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I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends

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 🌏
— ye (@kanyewest) April 15, 2026

Authorities ruled his presence would "not be conducive to the public good", prompting a strong response from Sir Keir Starmer.

The Prime Minister said: "Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless."

He added: "This Government stands firmly with the Jewish community and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.

"We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values."

After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision
to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice.
— ye (@kanyewest) April 15, 2026

Wireless Festival organisers later confirmed the cancellation of Mr West’s performances and the entire festival, across all three nights, with ticket holders offered refunds.

The Mayor of London’s office had also allegedly blocked plans for a separate show at the London Stadium, citing community concerns and potential reputational damage.

Following his Marseille announcement, Mr West posted a further message to fans, writing: "I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends.

"I take full responsibility for what's mine but I don't want to put my fans in the middle of it."

In January, the Grammy-winning artist published a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal titled "To Those I've Hurt," in which he wrote: "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people."

He attributed his behaviour to bipolar disorder, describing a "four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life".

Mr West’s next scheduled performance is set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on May 23.