Authorities in northern Italy say concerns about crowd safety, public order and potential demonstrations have led to the cancellation of two consecutive performances.
Italian authorities have cancelled planned summer performances by Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Travis Scott, citing public safety concerns and the potential for protests surrounding the events.
According to Reuters, authorities in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia have ordered the cancellation of two concerts scheduled for July 17 and 18 at the 103,000-capacity RCF Arena. Travis Scott was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival on July 17, and Kanye West (formerly known as Ye) the following evening.
The decision was made by local prefect Salvatore Angieri, who said authorities were concerned about public order, safety and the large number of fans expected to arrive in the city within 24 hours.
The concert's cancellation was another blow for Ye, who is attempting to return to international touring after years of controversy. The Grammy Award-winning singer has faced growing criticism across Europe for anti-Semitic remarks he has made in recent years, including comments praising Adolf Hitler and the use of Nazi symbolism in his music.
Consumer rights group CODACONS and members of the Jewish community of Modena and Reggio Emilia called on authorities to intervene, expressing concern about Yeh's planned speech and the possibility of demonstrations in connection with the event.
Scandals have erupted around Ye in several countries. Earlier this year, the UK denied the rapper entry, and planned performances in France, Poland, and Switzerland were cancelled due to public backlash and political pressure.
Meanwhile, authorities were reportedly reviewing concerns surrounding Travis Scott's appearance. The Houston rapper remains under intense scrutiny following the tragedy at the 2021 Astroworld festival, which left 10 people dead and hundreds injured during a crowd surge.
The combination of two large stadium events held on two consecutive nights, and the potential for protests, poses an unacceptable security risk, officials said.
The cancellation is particularly noteworthy, as these performances were expected to be among the most high-profile hip-hop events in Europe this summer. Pulse of Gaia, formerly known as Hellwatt Festival, was touted as a major event featuring several world-renowned artists.
Neither Ye, nor Scott, nor festival organizers have commented on the decision.
Despite the latest cancellation, Ye is still expected to perform in Istanbul this weekend, and has additional European dates planned in countries where restrictions on his performances have not been imposed.
However, for now, one of the most anticipated hip-hop weekends of the summer appears to be cancelled.
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