France is on the cusp of banning Kanye West from entering the country, presenting a new obstacle to rehabilitating the controversial artist’s image and his comeback in 2026. This potential move comes on the heels of the United Kingdom banning the rapper from entry over anti-Semitic statements and music he has released in recent years.
West, who is now known as Ye, is scheduled to perform a concert on June 11 in Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome. But Benoit Payen, the mayor of the southern port city, sided with French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez in saying the rapper has no place in the country after his use of hate speech online and in songs like “Heil Hitler,” which was released in May and quickly banned from streaming platforms. West has also openly embraced Nazi imagery in merchandise produced by Yeezy, his fashion and lifestyle brand.
Nunez is exploring “all possibilities” to prevent the rapper’s scheduled concert in France, Agence France-Presse reported on Tuesday, citing sources within the minister’s inner circle and confirming a previous report by the Liberation newspaper. According to those sources, Nunez discussed canceling the Stade Vélodrome show with regional governor Jacques Witkowski and Payan during a visit to Marseille last week.
Payan’s opposition to the West dates back to early March, when he made his position clear in a post on X.
“I refuse to allow Marseille to be a front for those who promote hatred and blatant Nazism,” he wrote in a statement on March 4. “Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome, our temple of living together and belonging for all the people of Marseille.”
France appears to be following in the United Kingdom’s footsteps. The development comes a week after West was banned from entering the country shortly after it was announced that he would be the main star of all three nights of the Wireless Festival scheduled to be held in mid-July in London’s Victoria Park. Major sponsors, including Pepsi, Airbnb and PayPal, pulled out of the festival after booking it, though none of them explicitly cited West as the reason.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan publicly condemned West and the festival’s decision to book it. On April 7, he was denied an entry visa.
Amid growing controversy, Wireless later announced that this year’s event had been cancelled. Prior to this decision, West issued a statement saying that he would be willing to meet with the Jewish community in London in an attempt to make amends.
“My only goal is to come to London and put on a show for change, and bring unity, peace and love through my music,” he said. “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet members of the UK Jewish community in person, to listen. I know words are not enough – I will have to show change through my actions.”
While a ban in France seems increasingly likely, West may not have to cancel all of his European tour dates. Holland has indicated that it has no plans to ban his performances, and the shows are scheduled to take place in early June. He also remains banned from entering Australia – the home country of his wife Bianca Censori – resulting in his entry privileges being revoked following the release of Heil Hitler last year.
The rapper is currently promoting his new album, BullyIt was positioned as a comeback project after several years marked by controversy and side projects. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and posted strong streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, indicating that a portion of his fan base remains engaged despite the backlash.
Prior to the album’s release, West posted a lengthy blurb in 2008 The Wall Street Journal As a full-page ad apologizing for his anti-Semitic statements. In the letter, he attributed his behavior in part to long-term personal problems and to bipolar disorder.
West’s remaining European tour dates include a stop at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia on July 18. Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on July 30; and Estádio do Algarve in Almancil on August 7. Two nights at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles attracted a sold-out crowd who were blown away by the unique and eye-catching stage design.
TuesdayThe Hollywood Reporter The company reached out to West’s representative for comment on reports of an impending ban in France, but did not receive an immediate response.
