Poland Joins UK and France in Rejecting Ye Tour Appearances

The planned concert by rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in Poland has been canceled, according to officials. The show was scheduled for June 19, 2026, at Śląski Stadium in Chorzów.

The stadium’s director, Adam Strzyżewski, confirmed the decision on April 17, citing “formal and legal reasons” in a brief statement. No additional details were provided, but the cancellation follows several days of political pressure and public criticism.

Poland’s Culture Minister, Marta Cienkowska, had publicly opposed the event earlier in the week. In a social media statement, she argued that hosting the artist would be inappropriate given his history of antisemitic remarks. She referenced Poland’s historical experience during the Holocaust and said the issue went beyond entertainment, describing Ye’s past statements as “a normalization of hate.”

The canceled concert is part of a broader pattern affecting Ye’s planned 2026 European tour, which is intended to promote his upcoming album, Bully. Several other appearances have also been disrupted.

In the United Kingdom, authorities recently denied Ye entry into the country, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled performance at the Wireless Festival. In France, a planned show in Marseille was postponed indefinitely after local officials, including the city’s mayor, objected to hosting the artist.

Despite these setbacks, some international tour dates remain in place. A performance in New Delhi is still scheduled for late May, along with other shows in parts of Asia and Europe.

Ye has previously addressed the controversy surrounding his public statements, attributing some of his behavior to untreated bipolar disorder. He also issued an apology earlier this year. However, officials in several European countries have indicated that his past rhetoric continues to influence decisions about hosting his performances.