The two events were due to take place this July at the RFC Arena in the northern city of Reggio Emilia. Prefect Salvatore Angieri announced the cancellation following safety assessments by local officials. Nicoletta Uzzielli, leader of the local Jewish community, had strongly urged authorities to block the gig, calling for the show to be replaced with a performance that would bring “music back to the forefront as a universally unifying force.”
The regional prefecture stated that its decision was influenced by the cancellation of the rapper’s previous concerts in other countries, alongside the “real risk of counter-demonstrations.” Additionally, officials noted that scheduling the massive events back-to-back on July 17th and 18th posed a logistical danger due to the immense crowds both artists attract. Scott has faced intense public scrutiny regarding crowd safety since the 2021 Astroworld festival tragedy in Houston, which resulted in ten deaths.
West, who now goes by Ye, has sparked global outrage over a string of antisemitic, racist, and pro-Nazi comments. The rapper was recently banned from entering the United Kingdom, which forced the cancellation of London’s Wireless Festival last month where he was set to headline. His European tour has faced a domino effect of cancellations, including postponed dates in Marseille, France, and a canceled stadium show in Chorzów, Poland.
The multi-artist lineup in Italy was also set to feature major acts including The Chainsmokers, Rita Ora, and Swedish House Mafia. Despite the backlash, West has been actively attempting a return to the mainstream public eye. In a lengthy apology statement published in January, the rapper stated that he was “not a Nazi or an antisemite,” claiming that his previous behavior was a result of his bipolar disorder causing him to lose touch with reality.
