France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is taking steps to prevent a concert by the artist formerly known as Kanye West, scheduled for June 2026 in Marseille, due to the performer's repeated antisemitic remarks. A source close to the minister confirmed the action on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The planned performance is part of a European tour. The minister's initiative follows a formal request from the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) and other anti-racism groups, who urged authorities to block the event, citing West's history of hate speech.
French law grants the government the authority to ban foreign artists whose presence is considered a threat to public order. Darmanin has previously stated that France will not tolerate the promotion of antisemitism on its territory.
As of April 15, 2026, no final decision has been officially announced. The promoter and the venue, the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, are awaiting the outcome of the minister's review. West has faced widespread condemnation and professional repercussions for his antisemitic comments made in late 2022 and 2023.
