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Trade unions and politicians in Italy are urging the government to cancel Kanye West's scheduled performance at the Hellwatt Festival in Reggio Emilia on July 18. This follows blocks on his shows in France, Poland, and a visa denial in the United Kingdom amid backlash over past antisemitic remarks. West issued an apology in January for offensive outbursts.
slate.comThe Italian government is facing calls from trade unions and politicians to cancel Kanye West’s appearance at the Hellwatt Festival in Reggio Emilia on July 18. France blocked Kanye West’s performance in Marseille, while Poland also blocked a planned show by the rapper.
The United Kingdom denied a visa to Kanye West, according to Pina Picierno, vice president of the European Parliament and a senior member of Italy’s Democratic Party.
Picierno also stated that France effectively prevented the Marseille concert. “It seems quite contradictory that an artist known for his antisemitic remarks can be hosted by our city, which has always strongly advocated anti-fascist values,” said Rosamaria Papaleo, a representative of the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Unions in Emilia-Romagna.
The union does not wish to disrupt the Hellwatt Festival, Papaleo added.
Instead, the union has asked Reggio Emilia’s mayor, Marco Massari, to require Kanye West to meet with members of the area’s Jewish population as a symbolic act of reconciliation. Marco Massari, the mayor of Reggio Emilia, distances himself from Kanye West’s behavior and remarks, but noted that the decision to allow the rapper into the country rests with the national government.
In January, Kanye West took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal apologizing for years of offensive outbursts.
West claimed that neurological damage caused by a near-fatal 2002 car crash was responsible for his concerning behavior in recent years. Kanye West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016. After Italy, Kanye West’s European tour has four stops scheduled: Turkey, the Netherlands, Madrid, and Portugal.
The Independent reported these developments, including the opposition from unions and politicians amid backlash over West's past antisemitic remarks.
theiranproject.comThe United States and Iran reached agreement on a roadmap to conclude their conflict within 60 days following high-level talks in Switzerland. Technical discussions will continue this week at Burgenstock resort under mediation by Pakistan and Qatar.
middleeasteye.netA Hebrew University survey found most Israelis view the recent conflict and subsequent agreement as a setback. The poll also recorded sharp drops in approval for the prime minister's handling of the campaign.
dohanews.coHigh-level negotiations in Switzerland seeking a permanent end to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran concluded after one round. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week to address issues including Tehran's nuclear program.