Home / Arts and Entertainment / Mayor Backs Canceling Ye's July 4th Show Amid Hate Speech Row
Mayor Backs Canceling Ye's July 4th Show Amid Hate Speech Row
21 Jun
Summary
- Mayor opposes hosting Ye due to his history of antisemitic remarks.
- European officials canceled Ye's shows, citing security and Jewish leader concerns.
- US senator urges reconsideration of Ye's upcoming Florida concert.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has endorsed canceling a planned July 4th concert by Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West. The mayor cited Ye's documented history of hate speech and antisemitic remarks as reasons why the city should not host him in a city-funded venue. This stance emerges as several of Ye's concerts have faced cancellations across Europe due to similar concerns raised by officials and Jewish leaders.
European nations have increasingly taken action against Ye. Last month, Italian officials canceled a July concert, while the British government barred him from entering the country earlier this year. Similar cancellations occurred in Poland and Switzerland. The rapper himself called off a show in France after the interior ministry considered a ban.
Despite these international actions, Ye performed in the Netherlands this month and held two sold-out shows in California in April. However, US Senator Rick Scott has urged officials to reconsider upcoming performances in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for June 26 and 29. Scott expressed concern that taxpayer-supported venues would host an artist known for promoting dangerous rhetoric.
