Highlights
- Kanye West’s plans for an exclusive listening party in Italy have been axed, causing controversy and outrage among locals.
- The event, which was being planned by an Italian music promoter, lacked authorization and faced backlash from veterans over West’s history of controversial comments.
- West and his wife have flown back to the U.S., suggesting that the Italian event will not happen, but he may attempt to hold the listening party in the U.S. instead.
Kanye West’s plans to hold an exclusive listening party in Italy to promote his forthcoming album have apparently been axes, sending the rapper back to his native U.S. after causing weeks of controversy abroad.
Ye has reportedly been preparing to hold the event at the RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia. However, according to a new report by Billboard, it’s very unlikely he’ll get authorization to hold the event, given the outrage he’s recently caused.
Kanye Left Italy After His Concert Didn’t Get Authorized
The event is reportedly being planned by Vivo Concerti, an Italian music promoter, though they never officially confirmed they event. Moreover, it was originally scheduled for October 20, though later pushed back to October 27, as Kanye’s team still hadn’t gotten a go-ahead to hold the performance.
Initially, photos had shown a set being built at the venue, reportedly in anticipation of the listening event. But more recently, the stage was seen being dismantled.
Moreover, Kanye and his wife Bianca Censori have reportedly flown back to America, offering another sign that the Italian event isn’t going to happen. As he prepares for a reported career comeback, Kanye may attempt to hold the listening even on U.S. soil.
Kanye’s Italian Listening Party Angered Veterans
When it was first reported that Kanye was trying to host the performance at RCF Arena, it sparked backlash from local veterans groups, who called Ye’s history of antisemitic comments (including giving praise to Adolf Hitler) disrespectful.
“It’s time to say enough to these people who believe they can say what they want,” Albertina Soliani, the vice president of the (ANPI) National Association of Italian Partisans, stated when Kanye’s listening event was first reported on.
“Someone can be a fantastic singer but then they are also judged by what they say, and West has made some inhumane declarations and with what’s happening in the world today we cannot accept this concert,” she continued.
“First of all let me just say that I hope this concert does not go ahead, this artist has a large following of youngsters, but his message is disquieting,” Ermete Fiaccadori, the ANPI regional president for Reggio Emilia, said while expressing a similar sentiment.
“I’m speechless that he cannot understand what he Is saying, broadcasting a gross misunderstanding of what Adolf Hitler was in the course of history,” he added. “I am all for artistic liberty but what Kanye West says and does leave me shocked.”
This isn’t the only controversy Kanye has caused in Italy. Ye and Bianca have been criticized for wearing NSFW outfits as well as engaging in inappropriate behavior in public. Kanye was also accused of breaking Italy’s anti-terrorism laws with his face covering.
A police investigation was eventually initiated into the couple’s behavior, as locals called for fines over public indecency. Last month, he was given a final warning by authorities to obey local laws or face consequences.
For now, Kanye’s team has not publicly commented on the rumors about his listening party or upcoming album.
Source: NewsFinale