March 04, (THEWILL) — The mayor of Marseille, France’s second-largest city, Benoit Payan, has said that Kanye West is “not welcome” in the city, following the announcement of a planned concert in June.
West, who now goes by Ye, is scheduled to perform on June 11, at the city-owned Stade Velodrome, his only confirmed date in France so far. Ticket sales have not yet begun.
The mayor criticised the planned appearance, pointing to the artiste’s past antisemitic remarks.
“I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unabashed Nazism”, he posted on X.
The 24-time Grammy winner has faced backlash in recent years over racist and antisemitic comments. In May 2025, he released a song titled “Heil Hitler” to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The controversy led to public criticism and the loss of major business partnerships.
Under French law, local authorities can only ban a concert under strict conditions. A performance may be blocked only if it clearly risks criminal offences or public disorder, according to France’s highest administrative court.
The event’s organiser, Mars 360, said it included clauses in the contract “to ensure that no illegal remarks are made during the concert and that French law is fully respected.”
Opposition has also come from Fabienne Bendayan, a candidate in the city’s upcoming elections and former regional head of the Jewish organisation, CRIF.
“Someone who openly proclaims his admiration for Hitler and espouses Nazi ideas cannot set foot on the stage of a city whose very soul is woven from diversity, remembrance and brotherhood”, she said on X.
In January, West published a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal, saying his bipolar disorder sometimes caused “disconnected moments” and poor judgement. He expressed deep regret for his past antisemitic remarks and has apologised multiple times for the harm they caused.
It remains unclear whether the Marseille concert will go ahead as planned.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
