West was scheduled to headline the Hellwat Festival on July 18 at the 103,000-capacity RCF Arena, while Scott was due to perform there on July 17. Reggio Emilia Prefect Salvatore Angieri said the events were canceled because of the large crowds expected within a short period and the risk of protests linked to West’s past antisemitic statements.
The decision followed calls from local Jewish groups, anti-fascist organizations, trade unions and politicians to cancel West’s show. Festival organizers said they are exploring the possibility of moving West’s July 18 performance to another location near Reggio Emilia under a different jurisdiction.
West has faced concert cancellations in several European countries after making antisemitic remarks and releasing controversial material. He recently began his summer tour with a large concert in Istanbul, where Travis Scott also appeared as a guest performer.
Despite the Italy ban, West is still scheduled to perform in the Netherlands in June, Albania on July 11, and the Czech Republic on July 25.
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