Kanye West to Perform in Istanbul Despite European Bans

US rapper Kanye West, banned from several European venues over antisemitic remarks glorifying Hitler, will perform in Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic stadium on May 30. The 48-year-old artist, also known as Ye, faces controversy after releasing a song called 'Heil Hitler' and promoting swastika merchandise. He attributed his behavior to bipolar disorder, stating in a Wall Street Journal ad: 'I am not a Nazi or an antisemite.' Travis Scott joins the lineup for the festival-style event expecting 120,000 attendees. Istanbul is providing 100 free buses for transportation. West's European tour faced backlash - Britain banned him from entering, France blocked a Marseille performance, Poland cancelled his show over 'promotion of Nazism,' and FC Basel rejected hosting him. Despite bans, he still has upcoming shows in Netherlands (June 6-8), Albania (July 11), and Prague (July 25). Will you attend knowing his controversial statements, or does artistic talent outweigh public concerns?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/28/kanye-west-to-play-istanbul-show-on-may-30/