The State Duma is demanding that Kanye West support the war against Ukraine in order to hold a concert
In Russia, political demands have begun to be made of American rapper Kanye West ahead of his planned concerts in St. Petersburg. State Duma deputies have stated that the artist must reconsider his views on Russia and publicly express his support for the war against Ukraine.
West’s performances are scheduled for October 10 and 11 in St. Petersburg. Ticket sales have already begun, but the concerts are now in doubt due to the stance taken by Russian lawmakers.
Yelena Drapeko, first deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on Culture, said she hopes the rapper will change his attitude toward both Russia and his previous remarks about Adolf Hitler. She described West’s possible visit to Russia as a “breakthrough of the blockade.”
At the same time, State Duma Deputy Nikolai Novichkov took a tougher stance. He stated that he could initiate the cancellation of the concerts if West does not demonstrate “moral support for Russia and its special military operation.”
Novichkov also announced his intention to investigate the American rapper’s previous statements regarding Hitler. According to him, he may subsequently appeal to the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Thus, the Russian State Duma has effectively made West’s concerts contingent on his political stance. The American artist is expected not only to visit Russia but also to publicly demonstrate loyalty to the Russian government and its war against Ukraine.
Controversial American rapper Kanye West, who has previously expressed sympathy for Russia on multiple occasions and called himself the “young Putin,” may hold two concerts in St. Petersburg.
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