Italy has pulled the plug on planned concerts by Kanye West and Travis Scott, with the government citing “grave security risks” in an official decree published late last night. Sources confirm the ban applies to all public performances by the two American rappers on Italian soil, effective immediately.
The interior ministry’s order, obtained by this desk, references unspecified threats to public order and safety. It follows months of behind-the-scenes wrangling between concert promoters and security officials. The decree is signed by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, a hardliner known for taking a tough stance on large gatherings.
Documents leaked from the ministry show that intelligence reports flagged concerns about potential crowd violence and “incitement” following recent controversies involving both artists. West has faced backlash over antisemitic remarks, while Scott’s concerts have a history of deadly crowd surges, including the 2021 Astroworld disaster that left 10 dead.
Promoters were informed of the decision via a confidential memo circulated yesterday afternoon. The memo, viewed by this reporter, states that “public safety cannot be guaranteed” and that the cancellations are “non-negotiable”. It also warns that any attempt to hold unsanctioned shows would result in criminal prosecution.
The ban is a major blow to Italy’s summer festival circuit, which had booked both artists for headline slots in Milan and Rome. Ticket sales were reportedly strong, with some resale sites listing VIP packages at €5,000. Refunds are expected to be announced shortly, but sources say the ministry is bracing for legal action from event organisers.
This is not the first time Italy has flexed its security muscle. In 2017, the government banned a concert by U.S. rapper Tyler, the Creator over lyrics deemed “sexist and homophobic”. But the scope of this latest decree is unprecedented: it targets two global superstars and covers all venues nationwide.
A spokesperson for the interior ministry declined to elaborate on the specific threats, citing operational reasons. However, a senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told me: “We have information that we cannot disclose. The risk is real. We are not in the business of censorship. We are in the business of keeping people alive.”
The official’s tone suggests that behind the bureaucratic language lies a genuine fear of unrest. Italy has seen a rise in far-right activity in recent years, and the government is wary of events that could become flashpoints. West’s recent embrace of conspiracy theories and Scott’s track record with crowd control made them an obvious target.
Neither West nor Scott has commented publicly. Their representatives did not respond to requests for comment. But the silence is telling. In a business built on hype, a government ban is the ultimate loss of control.
This is a developing story. The implications for freedom of expression versus public safety are profound. For now, the message from Rome is clear: when security is at stake, the show does not go on.
