Florida Sen. Rick Scott is calling on Tampa officials to cancel two upcoming Kanye West concerts scheduled for June 26 and June 28 at Raymond James Stadium, arguing that taxpayer-supported facilities should not be used to host an artist he described as antisemitic and hateful. In an open letter sent Thursday, June 4, to the Tampa Sports Authority Board of Directors, Scott said the shows would be a “slap in the face” to Florida’s Jewish community, one of the largest in the United States.
Scott accused West of repeatedly promoting antisemitic views, citing the rapper’s praise of Nazis, his past claim that he was one, and his recent release of a song titled “Heil Hitler.” He also referenced a 2025 Super Bowl ad in which West allegedly directed viewers to merchandise featuring swastikas. According to Scott, allowing the concerts to proceed at a public stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would be unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of the Hillsborough County community.
The senator said West’s comments have gone beyond isolated controversy and have contributed to normalizing antisemitism. He noted that the artist has faced backlash from political leaders across the spectrum and said the Tampa Sports Authority should carefully reconsider its decision to host the events. Scott urged the board to take action and stressed that no public funds should be used to provide a platform for “a vocal antisemite” in Florida.
West has recently struggled to secure performance venues internationally as well. In April, plans for him to headline London’s Wireless Festival collapsed after sponsors withdrew because of his history of antisemitic remarks. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern about the booking, and West’s visa application was later denied on public interest grounds. The festival was canceled. Around the same time, a planned performance in Marseille, France, was postponed after the city’s mayor rejected the idea of making the city “a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism.”
Before Scott intervened, Tampa Sports Authority CEO Eric Hart had spoken positively about West’s decision to make Tampa his only North American tour stop. Hart previously praised the city’s hospitality, professionalism, and reputation as a destination for major entertainment and sports events. However, after public criticism intensified, the authority issued a more cautious statement on Thursday. It said it recognized the concerns being raised about the concerts and noted that, as a public agency, it follows free-speech principles in operating the venue, while not condoning offensive or divisive remarks by any artist.
The controversy places Tampa at the center of a broader debate over free expression, public funding, and whether venues supported by taxpayers should host performers with a record of inflammatory and extremist rhetoric.
