In Texas, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones urged canceling rapper Ye’s July 4 concert at the Alamodome, citing antisemitic remarks and hate speech.
Jones wrote on X that the city “should not host someone with a record of hate speech and antisemitic comments in a city-funded facility.” She said opposing antisemitism was vital on the nation’s 250th birthday.
Ye, formerly Kanye West, is touring his new album “Bully.” His shows in Italy, Britain, Poland, Switzerland, and France were canceled this year.
The rapper has faced backlash for releasing “Heil Hitler,” selling swastika merchandise, and posting “death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE” in 2022. He apologized in 2023, recanted in 2025, and issued another apology in January.
Despite cancellations, Ye performed for 40,000 fans in the Netherlands and sold out two nights at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.
Florida Senator Rick Scott asked Tampa officials to reconsider Ye’s June concerts at Raymond James Stadium, warning against taxpayer-funded venues hosting “dangerous, hateful rhetoric.”
The Texas concert remains scheduled, with officials weighing the mayor’s demand for cancellation.
Kanye West Fans Clash With Critics Over San Antonio Concert Cancellation Push
The mayor’s appeal quickly fueled debate online.
Some users argued the call for cancellation raised broader free speech concerns. One response stated, “That’s blatant anti first amendment. Censorship is not the answer.” Another user wrote, “Freedom of speech. You really do t want this door opened.” A separate response added, “Allowed by who? Attendance is voluntary.” One person also noted, “Every single show he’s done in the last year has been huge and sold out… lmao.”
Others backed the mayor’s concerns. One user wrote, “The guy sold swastika shirts. This should be a no brainer.” Another questioned, “How is this freakshow still a thing?”
Debate over whether city-owned venues should host controversial performers is likely to continue ahead of the July 4 concert.
