Italy cancels Kanye West, Travis Scott concerts over safety fears

Italian authorities have canceled two highly anticipated summer concerts by American rappers Kanye West, also known as Ye, and Travis Scott in the city of Reggio Emilia. The cancellations, ordered by local prefect Salvatore Angieri, are attributed to concerns over public order and safety.

The decision was reportedly influenced by requests from consumer rights organizations and the Jewish community in Modena and Reggio Emilia, who expressed particular apprehension regarding West. Authorities highlighted the tight schedule between Scott's planned performance on July 17 and West's on July 18, along with the large expected turnout, as key factors.

West has faced scrutiny for past controversial remarks, including releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler' and expressing antisemitic sentiments, for which he has since expressed regret, attributing them to his bipolar disorder. Scott's concerts have also been under a spotlight following a deadly crowd crush at his Astroworld festival in Houston in 2021, which resulted in ten deaths.

These cancellations add to a string of European concert postponements for West, including events in London, France, Poland, and Switzerland. However, he is still scheduled to perform in the Netherlands in June, with Dutch officials stating there are no legal grounds to deny his entry.