Holocaust survivors, Sen. Rick Scott condemn Kanye West’s Florida concerts

Senator Rick Scott, joined by Holocaust survivors and Jewish leaders, held a press conference at the Florida Holocaust Museum to condemn Kanye West's upcoming concerts in Tampa. Scott urged the Tampa Sports Authority not to use taxpayer money to fund events for the artist, formerly known as Ye, who has a documented history of antisemitic remarks and actions.

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Many suffocated in boxcars like these before they even made it. It all started with questions like the one before us today: Are we going to tolerate this?

"Many suffocated in boxcars like these before they even made it," Scott said, gesturing to a boxcar exhibit at the museum. "It all started with questions like the one before us today: Are we going to tolerate this?" He referenced West's past actions, including selling swastika merchandise and releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler."

West is scheduled to perform at Raymond James Stadium on June 26 and 28. The Tampa Jewish Federation and the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women have also voiced opposition. In response to the controversy, the Florida Holocaust Museum announced it would offer free admission during the concert weekend.

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We condemn antisemitism from any source. However, we also respect free speech rights guaranteed under the US Constitution, even when we disagree with that speech. In addition, no taxpayer money is being used for staging the Ye concerts. To suggest otherwise is false.

The Tampa Sports Authority, which operates the stadium, issued a statement pushing back against Scott's claims. "We condemn antisemitism from any source. However, we also respect free speech rights guaranteed under the US Constitution, even when we disagree with that speech," the authority said. "In addition, no taxpayer money is being used for staging the Ye concerts. To suggest otherwise is false."

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Some of the worst sins in human history begin with the words, ‘I was just’: ‘I was just going to a concert with my friends,’ ‘I was just trying to make money,’ ‘I was just following orders.’ No, you can’t do that. None of us should be let off the hook for hatred and antisemitism.

Holocaust survivors shared their personal experiences and concerns. Jack Waksal, who survived forced labor camps in Poland, stated, "Some of the worst sins in human history begin with the words, 'I was just.' ... No, you can’t do that. None of us should be let off the hook for hatred and antisemitism." Toni Rinde, an 85-year-old survivor, questioned why other countries can block West while the U.S. appears to permit his performances.

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Why is it that other countries can tell him no, and we don’t do that? We’ve accepted him. Why? Why is this person being so hateful, trying