Kanye West risks European ban as he chases Russian show despite backlash

13 June 2024 , 20:51
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Controversial rapper is running out of places to try after being told to forget about performing in other parts of the world
Controversial rapper is running out of places to try after being told to forget about performing in other parts of the world

KANYE West's forlorn search for a venue to host his shows has reached a "desperate" new low.

The U.S. Sun has extensively reported on Ye's bungling attempts to stage live gigs as sordid controversy swirls around his private life.

Kanye West is said to still be courting a show in Russia eiqeeiqeqidrqprw
Kanye West is said to still be courting a show in RussiaCredit: Getty
Sources warn Kanye risks being blacklisted in other parts of Europe over any Russian gig
Sources warn Kanye risks being blacklisted in other parts of Europe over any Russian gigCredit: Getty
Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori pictured in Los Angeles in May 2023
Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori pictured in Los Angeles in May 2023Credit: Getty

According to insiders, he has tried - and failed - to snare arenas in Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

CRAZY PLANS

Kanye dreamed up a wild idea about playing at some of the seven wonders of the world - including India's Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the pyramids in Egypt.

The U.S. Sun also revealed plans to buy huge plots of land in Europe and Africa to stage mini-festivals.

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Predictably, following his sick online rants about Jesus and Hitler which have seen him virtually canceled all over the world, no one wants to stage his music.

All his previous pleas have fallen on deaf ears and, after The U.S. Sun revealed this week that the 47-year-old has been hit with a lawsuit by former employee Lauren Pisciotta which details alleged wild sexual behavior, the chances of him performing his new album Vultures 1 anytime soon are remote at best.

A top music industry insider, however, has revealed Kanye has been pushing to stage shows in Russia, as well as some of their allies.

The source, who has worked on tours with U2, Madonna, and Beyoncé, says sidling up to Vladimir Putin could have huge ramifications for the future.

FUTURE PROBLEMS

He believes many countries who have already cut ties with Russia following their invasion of Ukraine will make it even harder for the rapper if he wants to continue his search for venues.

"This idea is so desperate," the industry veteran told The U.S. Sun. "If he can do a show in Russia, it's over for him in many European countries."

Kanye has been spotted in Italy with his wife Bianca Censori over the past few months, with the source stressing trips like that in the future could become problematic if he's able to play live to a Russian audience.

He also claims Kanye's team has approached alleged pro-Putin governmental figures in Hungary and Serbia.

"If he plays in Russia, and even goes to Hungary and Serbia for some concerts, people are going to take that as a massive insult," the source continued.

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"Many European countries can ban him from performing there."

The United States announced yesterday plans to widen the sanctions against Russia, with over 4,000 companies now on a blacklist.

Many European countries have followed suit, meaning any connection to Russian money could be problematic moving forward.

WIDESPREAD ANGER

"Kanye has to get it together and think long term because if that show happens next month, he won’t be able even to enter some of the countries that have cut ties with Putin," the insider warned.

High controversy continues to dog the hip hop star, with the risque pics of his barely dressed wife continuing to emerge, while sponsors have dropped him over the past two years.

In late 2022, Adidas, Vogue, Gap, Universal Music, and Balenciaga all dropped him following anti-Semitic statements.

Last December, he was forced to apologize after making similarly inflammatory comments on social media.

This latest lawsuit, detailed by The U.S. Sun, involves former assistant Pisciotta suing him for alleged sexual harassment and stalking.

There are also claims of a failure to pay $3 million in severance.

Anger was sparked in Russia last month, with reports claiming a deal had been agreed for Kanye to play in Moscow's Luzhniki stadium.

A famous Russian producer, Yana Rudkovskaya, rubbished claims the American was coming to her birthday party, but said he was due to perform in the country later this year.

“He will indeed come to Russia, but in the autumn, not in the summer," she claimed.

“I am involved in this.”

“We don’t need any Kanye West with his naked woman," added Putin ally Ekaterina Mizulina, who heads the pro-Kremlin Safe Internet League.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Kanye's representatives, but they didn't respond immediately.

Steve Brenner

United States, Russia, Exclusives, Kanye West

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