Ye, is facing strong opposition overseas to performing, following his announcement as a headliner for Slovakia’s upcoming Rubicon festival. The news has sparked a heated backlash in the capital city of Bratislava, where critics are calling on organizers to reconsider.
Can’t say we’re surprised here.
More than 3,600 people have signed an online petition demanding that the rapper be removed from the event lineup.
Not a whole lot of folks but enough to make noise about their objections to Ye.
Get this, the petition, which has gained support from organizations such as Peace for Ukraine and Cities for Democracy, calls his booking “an insult to historic memory, a glorification of wartime violence and debasement of all victims of the Nazi regime.”
If you’re not in the know, Rubicon festival describes itself as a space for “vision and provocation” and has marketed Ye’s mid-July performance as an exclusive moment featuring a “hip hop visionary, cultural icon, and controversial genius.” But many in the community see the decision as dangerous, especially given the rapper’s history of polarizing public statements and imagery.
What’s more, the petition claims Ye has “repeatedly and openly adhered to symbols and [an] ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history.” It warns that his presence could draw extremist groups from both Slovakia and abroad and raises concern about the potential appearance of Nazi symbolism or violent disruptions.
Organizers have yet to respond publicly to the growing outcry. Meanwhile, the pressure continues to build, with residents and advocacy groups arguing that the festival’s commitment to bold ideas should not come at the expense of public safety or historical respect.
Crazy times we are in. Can’t lie. We miss the old Ye and the energy he brought to the world.