Kanye West faces backlash as Florida groups demand Tampa concerts be cancelled over antisemitic remarks

Kanye West is facing mounting pressure ahead of two major Florida concerts after several organisations and political leaders called for the performances to be cancelled over his history of antisemitic comments.

The rapper, who now goes by Ye, is scheduled to perform at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on June 26 and June 28. But a growing coalition of critics says he should not be given a platform at a publicly owned venue supported by taxpayers.

Among those opposing the concerts are the Tampa Jewish Federation, the Florida Holocaust Museum and the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Florida Senator Rick Scott has also joined calls for the shows to be scrapped.

The backlash comes despite Ye’s recent success on stage. The controversial artist has continued to draw huge crowds since releasing his album Bully, including sold-out performances at SoFi Stadium and a massive concert in Türkiye that he claimed was one of the largest stadium shows ever held.

However, opponents argue that his past conduct remains impossible to ignore.

Eric Stillman, president of the Florida Holocaust Museum, said many members of the Jewish community remain unconvinced by Ye’s attempts to apologise for his previous remarks.

“To say he was sorry and to say it was based on a manic episode and not to take any actions after that, to demonstrate that this was a sincere change of heart, is really what is so hard for the members of the Jewish community in Tampa, and throughout the region and throughout the world to take that as sincere,” Stillman said.

In protest, the museum plans to offer free admission on the same dates as Ye’s concerts.

Ye addressed his past behaviour earlier this year during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, where he said he had been diagnosed with bipolar type-1 disorder and had also suffered an undiagnosed brain injury. He suggested both may have contributed to some of the statements that sparked outrage.

But critics say an apology alone is not enough.

Debbie Deland, vice president of Florida NOW, said she does not believe Ye has demonstrated a genuine change in attitude.

“It’s been a consistent pattern of hate speech and Nazism,” Deland said. “You don’t just turn that over.”

Senator Scott also questioned why a publicly funded venue should host the performer.

“Kanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community,” Scott said in a statement.

“He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric.”

Scott added that no taxpayer money should be used to support a platform for someone with such views.

The controversy is the latest obstacle in Ye’s ongoing comeback campaign. While his recent performances have attracted large audiences and strong ticket sales, resistance continues to follow him in several countries and cities due to his past inflammatory comments and behaviour.

For now, the Tampa concerts remain on the calendar, but pressure is continuing to build as opponents intensify efforts to have the events cancelled before fans arrive at the stadium later this month.