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Kanye West Draws 118,000 to Istanbul Concert, Sets Stadium Record
The opening night of West’s first European tour in 11 years featured local artists and a Travis Scott appearance, organisers said.
On Saturday, Kanye West drew 118,000 fans to Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium, setting a record for the largest stadium performance in history. Travis Scott joined West for the opening night of his first European tour in 11 years.
West has faced significant backlash across Europe for past antisemitic remarks, including comments praising Adolf Hitler and the use of Nazi imagery. This controversy prompted authorities in Britain, France, and Switzerland to block or cancel his appearances.
In April, the British government denied West entry, ruling his presence "would not be conducive to the public good." Italian authorities simultaneously banned a July show at the 103,000-seat RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia following requests from Jewish communities and consumer group CODACONS.
West published a full-page apology in the Wall Street Journal in January regarding his behavior. Despite widespread European closures, he continues touring with scheduled performances in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.
Confirmed tour dates include Albania, Georgia, and Spain later this summer. The Grammy-winning artist's latest album Bully debuted earlier this year, and his catalogue of 24 Grammy Awards positions him as one of music's most decorated figures.