Italy Cancels Controversial Concerts of Kanye West and Travis Scott

Italy has pulled the plug on upcoming concerts featuring U.S. rappers Kanye West and Travis Scott, originally scheduled for July in Reggio Emilia, citing concerns over public safety and potential protests.

According to local prefect Salvatore Angieri, the decision was influenced by requests from consumer group CODACONS and the Jewish community who voiced concerns about West's controversial past statements.

The authorities underscored the high expected attendance and close scheduling of the concerts as further reasons for the ban, amid heightened scrutiny and previous cancellations faced by West across Europe due to his inflammatory remarks and imagery.

(With inputs from agencies.)