‘Kanye West glorifies Hitler’: Petition launched to remove rapper from Slovak festival
Organizers of next month’s Rubicon Festival, widely promoted as Europe’s biggest rap event, confirmed just four days ago that Kanye West would headline the lineup. That announcement has since ignited widespread outrage, largely due to the artist’s history of praising Hitler and espousing openly anti-Semitic views.
As of now, more than 5,000 individuals have signed a petition addressed to the mayor of Bratislava, calling for West’s removal from the festival roster.
“In his music, [West] glorifies the person of Adolf Hitler, the leader of the regime responsible for unleashing the largest military conflict in human history, responsible for millions of civilian deaths and the systematic extermination of nations, including the genocide unleashed against the Jewish population around the world,” says the petition.
It added: “This musician is one of the world’s most famous anti-Semites, as he himself confirmed on social networks: I am a Nazi and I love Hitler.”
The petition further noted that Bratislava appears to be the only European city willing to host West, calling the move “unacceptable.”
“Not because of his musical expression,” it continued, “but because of his dangerous public attitudes, which are in direct contradiction with European memory and historical responsibility.”
The controversy follows West’s May release of a track titled Heil Hitler, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end. The song reportedly samples one of Hitler’s actual speeches. In the past, West has also been photographed wearing swastikas and has sold swastika-labeled merchandise on his website, adding fuel to the fire of his inflammatory reputation.
Despite growing backlash, Rubicon Festival organizers have stood by their decision to feature West. “We just want to bring in big names, not praise Hitler,” they said in response to criticism.
Acknowledging the petition and previous statements made by West on social media, organizers also remarked: “[He] subsequently deleted his comments, publicly apologized and admitted he needed time for self-reflection and professional help.”
In a separate message, organizers insisted there is no procedural or legal basis to cancel his performance at this time.
The announcement has deeply divided Slovakian public opinion. In a sharply-worded editorial, Beata Balogová, editor-in-chief of the liberal outlet SME, criticized the move. “Culture should unite, not divide, say the organizers of the Rubicon Festival after they crossed the Rubicon and invited a man to Bratislava who also says good things about Hitler,” she wrote.
“[But] it’s hard to say how an anti-Semite and extremist can unite anyone except people who resonate with his hate speech,” she added.
Others online appeared more enthusiastic. The initial Instagram post revealing West’s booking has garnered nearly 50,000 likes. Comments included praise such as, “I think we’re going to have a generational concert,” and “The genius is back.”
Note to our readers: This article is based on verifiable public statements, official festival communications, and social media reactions. All quotes and factual details are sourced from reputable international outlets and official public petitions.
