Ye Postpones Marseille Concert After French Authorities Say They Will Seek a Ban
Ye has postponed his upcoming concert in Marseille after French authorities signaled they would move to block the performance, marking another disruption to the artist’s international schedule.
The rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, announced Wednesday that he would delay the show, which had been set for June 11 at Stade Vélodrome.
In a message posted to X, Ye said the decision was his alone.
After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision
— ye (@kanyewest) April 15, 2026
to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice.
“After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice,” he wrote. “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends.”
He added that he does not want to put his fans in the middle of ongoing controversy, calling them central to his career.
“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,” he wrote.
French Officials Moved to Stop the Concert
The postponement came after France’s interior minister, Laurent Nuñez, said authorities would explore all available options to prevent the concert from taking place.
The effort reflected growing pressure from government leaders who opposed hosting the artist amid ongoing criticism tied to his public statements.
Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan had already spoken out against the concert earlier this year, citing the city’s identity and history.
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism,” Payan said. “Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of community and home to all Marseillais.”
Marseille is one of France’s most diverse cities, with deep roots tied to immigration and multicultural communities.
Also Read: Kanye West Apologizes for Past Behavior in Wall Street Journal Ad
Backlash Over Ye’s Past Antisemitic Remarks
The controversy surrounding the concert is tied to Ye’s history of antisemitic comments, which have drawn widespread criticism across multiple countries.
He has previously faced backlash for praising Adolf Hitler and releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler,” along with promoting a swastika-themed T-shirt on his website.
The Marseille postponement follows a separate decision in the United Kingdom, where Ye was barred from entering the country. He had been scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival in July before that appearance was canceled.
Officials in Australia also revoked his visa last year following similar concerns.
Ye Points to Mental Health in Earlier Apology
Earlier this year, Ye issued a public apology in a full-page letter published in The Wall Street Journal, where he addressed the behavior that led to the backlash.
He said his bipolar disorder contributed to what he described as a “four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life.”
Despite that apology, scrutiny over his statements and actions has continued to affect his ability to perform internationally.
