Kanye West Faces Backlash in Russia Over Nazi Support
American rapper Kanye West did not apologize for his support of Nazism to Russians, Belarusians, and representatives of other nationalities living in Russia.
Consensus
- Kanye West released a music video on May 8, 2025, containing pro-Nazi messages.
- The video included the phrase 'Sieg Heil' and an audio recording of Adolf Hitler's speech.
- Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova criticized Kanye West for not apologizing to Russians, Belarusians, or other ethnic groups in Russia.
- Zakharova stated that West apologized to Jews but not to other groups affected by Nazi Germany.
- The news of a potential concert in Saint Petersburg caused negative reactions among survivors of the Leningrad blockade.
- The concert in Saint Petersburg was ultimately canceled.
- Say Agency, the event organizer, faced legal claims for 1.4 million rubles.
- The venue, Gazprom Arena, stated it did not approve the event, though the organizer claimed ticket sales were approved.
Points of divergence
- Zakharova said the news of Kanye West's possible performance shocked blockaded survivors, with one reportedly gasping in disbelief upon hearing the 'hail' and 'Hitler' lyrics. — vesti
- On September 24, Dmitry Kiselyov, head of Russia Today media group, stated the concert would not take place. — vedomosti
- The concert was scheduled for October 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg. — vedomosti
- Director Nikita Mikhalkov found the potential performance offensive to residents of blockaded Leningrad. — vesti
Coverage (3 sources)
- Zakharova reminded that Kanye West did not apologize to Russians for supporting Nazism — Москва 24
- Kanye West has not yet apologized to Russians for supporting Nazism — Вести
- Zakhrova: Kanye West did not apologize for supporting Nazism before residents of Russia — Ведомости