The chaotic saga of Kanye West’s planned Russian concerts

MOSCOW, Aug 29 — US rap star Kanye West, also known as “Ye,” faced the possibility of performing in two concerts in Saint Petersburg, Russia, over the weekend. The event, scheduled for October 10 and 11, had tickets selling out quickly despite the venue, Gazprom Arena, pulling out just a week before the shows. Russian officials and media outlets were divided on whether the concerts should go ahead, with some welcoming the star to Russia in an attempt to quell the notion that the country is isolated due to its involvement in the war with Ukraine, while others expressed concerns about the rapper's past antisemitic comments and glorification of Nazi Germany.

Gazprom Arena denied hosting the concerts, citing a lack of signed contracts, leaving fans and organizers confused and angry. Other venues, such as Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium and a medieval-themed museum in Anapa, have offered to host the events. It remains unclear if the concerts will take place, as debates continue within the Russian administration.