Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan has publicly opposed a planned concert by American rapper Kanye West in the southern French city, calling the artist a promoter of 'hatred and unapologetic Nazism.' West, who now goes by Ye, is scheduled to perform at the Vélodrome stadium on June 11, 2026, in what would be his first European concert in twelve years and his only scheduled French gig.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Mayor Payan stated: 'I refuse to let Marseille become a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of living together and of all Marseillais.'
I refuse to let Marseille become a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of living together and of all Marseillais.
The mayor's position is supported by the CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France), which believes that welcoming 'someone who has professed his admiration for Hitler raises a real moral question.'
West has faced international criticism for numerous antisemitic comments and actions in recent years, including releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler,' selling swastika t-shirts, and making statements praising Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. In January 2026, West apologized in a letter published by the Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior to bipolar disorder and stating he had 'lost touch with reality.'
someone who has professed his admiration for Hitler raises a real moral question.
Concert organizers in Marseille reportedly have an agreement to ensure French law is respected during the event, but local officials continue to voice opposition to the controversial artist's appearance in France's second-largest city.