Italy has cancelled two July concerts in the northern city of Reggio Emilia that were set to feature U.S. rappers Kanye West and Travis Scott, citing public order and security concerns, including the risk of protests. Local prefect Salvatore Angieri ordered the cancellation of both events, which were scheduled to take place on July 17 and July 18 at the 103,000-seat RCF Arena. The decision came after requests from consumer group CODACONS and Jewish community groups in Modena and Reggio Emilia, which had raised particular concerns about West, also known as Ye.
Authorities said the close timing of the two shows and the expected arrival of large crowds within 24 hours added to the security risks. West has faced repeated cancellations in Europe in recent months following a series of antisemitic remarks and the use of Nazi imagery in his content. He has previously apologized for some of his statements, saying they were connected to untreated bipolar disorder, but he has continued to perform in countries willing to host him. Earlier this year, Britain denied him entry, citing concerns that his presence would not be conducive to the public good. His planned show in Marseille was later postponed, while concerts in Poland and Switzerland were also cancelled.
Scott was due to perform at the “Pulse of Gaia Festival” on July 17. The Houston-based rapper has faced heightened scrutiny over concert safety since the deadly crowd crush at the 2021 Astroworld festival, which killed 10 people and injured hundreds. No immediate comment was available from West, Scott or the Italian event organisers.
The cancellations add to a growing list of disruptions to West’s European appearances, reflecting continuing controversy around the artist and heightened sensitivity among authorities, civic groups and communities over public safety and antisemitism concerns. The decision in Reggio Emilia also underscores the broader scrutiny facing large-scale music events in Europe, where officials have increasingly weighed crowd management, protest risks and public order in approving major concerts.
