Kanye West’s Italy Concert Left in Limbo as Politicians Demand Ban Over Past 'Antisemitic Remarks'

Kanye West has been facing trouble with his planned European comeback tour.

In yet another roadblock for West, the Italian government is now under pressure to cancel his appearance at the Hellwatt Festival.

Trade unions, politicians and public voices have called for West's ban over his past antisemitic remarks.

So far, the controversy has already led to bans in countries like the United Kingdom, France and Poland.

Although West has issued an apology for his previous controversial comments, he is still witnessing a steep decline in demand, with Italy being the latest country to raise concern.

West was set to headline the Hellwatt Festival on July 18 in the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia, but growing criticism has put the show at risk.

Although thousands of tickets have already been sold, political leaders are now urging authorities to cancel his performance.

Pina Picierno, vice president of the European Parliament, told local newspaper La Gazzetta di Reggio, “The United Kingdom denied the visa. France effectively prevented the Marseille concert. Italy, meanwhile, is just staying idle with 68,000 tickets sold, as if nothing had happened.”

Rosamaria Papaleo, a representative of the Italian Confederation of Workers’ Unions, told CBS News, “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. Anti-fascism for us is not a whim, but a value rooted in our history.”

Following concerns shown by from Italian leaders, West's upcoming concert seems to be at stake.

Previously, his concerts in Poland and Switzerland were cancelled, followed by his headline performance at London’s Wireless Festival being blocked.

Later, West also had to postpone his June 11 concert in Marseille, France.

Meanwhile, despite opposition from Italian leaders, Victor Yari Milani, the founder and artistic director of the Hellwatt Festival, defended his decision of of booking him.

Calling the event a space for free artistic expression, Milani stood by his decision.

“The artist’s past comments have certainly provoked a legitimate reaction, but we also want to remember that Ye formally apologized through the Wall Street Journal in January, stating that he is not a N*zi or antisemite but suffers from bipolar disorder,” he said in a statement to Italian news agency ANSA.

West has linked his past behavior to mental health struggles, including his 2016 diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he says worsened after a serious car crash in 2002.

The rapper also admitted losing touch with reality during manic episodes and expressed regret for promoting “the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it.”

Now, while controversy continues in Italy, West's European tour still includes scheduled stops in Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

It remains to be seen whether the rapper manages to make his European comebacks with either of the countries.