Another country urged to axe Kanye West’s comeback concert

WorldEntertainment
23 Apr 2026 • 12:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Another country urged to axe Kanye West’s comeback concert

  • Kanye West's European comeback tour is facing significant opposition and cancellations in several countries due to his history of antisemitic remarks.
  • The Italian government is under pressure from trade unions and politicians to cancel West's forthcoming appearance at the Hellwatt Festival in Reggio Emilia.
  • Critics, including European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, question why Italy is allowing the concert when other nations have blocked his performances.
  • Reggio Emilia's mayor, Marco Massari, has distanced himself from West's comments but stated that the decision on the rapper's entry rests with the national government.
  • The Hellwatt Festival's director, Victor Yari Milani, defended the booking, citing West's public apology in the Wall Street Journal where he attributed his past behaviour to a brain injury and bipolar disorder.

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