France Seeks to Block Kanye West Concert in Marseille

France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is actively seeking to prevent American rapper Kanye West from performing at a concert scheduled for June 11 in Marseille, citing the artist's history of antisemitic remarks. A source close to Nuñez told Agence France-Presse on Tuesday that the minister is highly determined to block the event at the Orange Vélodrome stadium and is examining all available options to do so.

The planned performance, organized by the agency Mars360, which operates the iconic venue, has drawn strong local opposition. Last month, Benoît Payan, the mayor of Marseille, publicly stated his refusal to host West, known professionally as Ye. "I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unashamed Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Vélodrome, our temple of living together and of all Marseillais," Payan posted on X. During a visit to the city last week, Nuñez discussed the potential ban with Payan and the regional prefect, underscoring the government's coordinated effort.

West, 48, has faced widespread criticism for a series of inflammatory statements, including expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler. In May 2025, he released a...