Europe split over Kanye West concerts as Istanbul show draws huge crowd

CAPITAL CITY: Kanye West's latest tour plans in Europe have produced sharply different responses, with some countries allowing his concerts to go ahead while others have moved to block or cancel them amid continuing controversy over his past remarks and imagery.

The contrast was most visible in Turkey, where the rapper, now known as Ye, performed before 118,000 people at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium on May 31, according to Anadolu Agency. Fans travelled from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland and across the Middle East for the show. The two-hour concert was his first appearance in Europe since 2014 and his first performance in Turkey.

The turnout underscored his continuing ability to attract large audiences despite years of backlash that have damaged his standing in several markets. The wider debate around his appearances has focused on whether public figures who have made anti-Israel remarks should continue to be given major public platforms, with governments, organisers and local communities across Europe taking different positions.

Concerts blocked and postponed

In Italy, authorities stopped a planned July 18 concert in Reggio Emilia, citing public order and safety concerns. The decision followed appeals from several groups, including the local Jewish community, which had raised objections to his scheduled appearance at the Pulse of Gaia Festival. Provincial prefect Salvatore Angieri said officials considered a range of issues, including cancellations of Ye's earlier concerts in other countries and the possibility of counter-demonstrations.

Another concert set for the same weekend, featuring Travis Scott, was also called off. Italian officials said the expected size of the crowds and the proximity of the two events were factors in the decision. At the same time, Ye's broader record of controversy was also part of the context. In recent years, he has drawn condemnation for antisemitic remarks, praise for Adolf Hitler and the use of Nazi imagery. Criticism grew further after the release of the song Heil Hitler, which promoted Nazism and was condemned in political and cultural circles.

Other countries have also acted against planned appearances. Britain refused him entry in April on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, leading organisers to cancel his planned set at London's Wireless Festival. In France, reports that the government was seeking to prevent a scheduled concert in Marseille resulted in the show being postponed. In Poland, a planned performance was cancelled after authorities objected to what they said was the promotion of Nazism. In Switzerland, FC Basel said it had turned down an approach to host a Kanye West concert.

Netherlands allows shows to proceed

The Netherlands has taken a different approach. Despite political pressure and public criticism, Dutch authorities approved permits for two concerts in Arnhem on June 6 and June 8. The move came after a majority in the Dutch House of Representatives called for him to be denied entry.

Asylum and migration minister Bart van den Brink said officials had found no legal grounds to bar him from entering the country. Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch, while criticising the artist, still allowed the events to proceed, referring to his

reprehensible statements

Earlier this year, in January, Ye took out a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal in which he withdrew previous remarks and sought to distance himself from accusations of antisemitism. In separate public comments, he said he was

not a Nazi or an antisemite

The differing decisions across Europe have left his status unresolved: some venues and governments remain willing to host him, while others continue to shut their doors.