Grammy-winning US rapper Kanye West was facing growing opposition in Slovakia ahead of his scheduled performance at the Rubicon Festival in the capital Bratislava in July.
“Hip-hop visionary, cultural icon, and controversial genius Ye will perform exclusively at the Rubicon Festival in Bratislava on July 20, 2025,” the festival organisers stated on their official website.
The controversy centred on a recent track by West titled Heil Hitler, which referenced Adolf Hitler.
The song has been banned on several social media platforms, although it remained accessible on others.
Following the festival’s announcement, an online petition calling to cancel West’s performance has rapidly gained traction.
Controversial rap artist Ye’s latest track, Heil Hitler, was promptly banned from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube upon its May 8 release, but in just 24 hours, it had racked up millions of views on X. https://t.co/xW3mZeN3s7
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) May 16, 2025
The petition, titled “Kanye West Does Not Belong in Bratislava,” had amassed more than 3,100 signatures at the time of writing.
Its authors emphasised that their opposition was not aimed at West’s music but rather at what they termed his dangerous public views and attitudes. They argued such views contradicted Slovakia’s historical memory and the values of a democratic society.
“Kanye West is exploiting his media influence to normalise the language and symbols of wartime evil, a legacy Europe, including Slovakia, has vehemently rejected for decades,” the petition stated.
“It is unacceptable for Bratislava to be the only European city to host his performance, not for his music, but due to his public stances that clash with European historical responsibility and memory,” it added.
The call to action was endorsed by the civic association Peace for Ukraine and other groups that regularly organised pro-democracy events.
They also warned of potential public unrest.
“We also draw your attention to the potential for serious security risks. An event of this kind could attract radical and extremist groups from Slovakia and abroad.
“Given the artist’s public positions, there is a legitimate concern that Nazi symbols, violent behaviour, or the spread of ideologies that are unacceptable in a democratic society — and criminal in our country — may appear,” they said.
The local council of Bratislava voted against the presence of the festival in the city, citing concerns over public order and potential traffic disruptions, disruption to public order and the peaceful lives of residents.
Despite these objections, the festival organisers have vowed to “prevent” any cancellation and continued promoting West’s appearance.
Their official Instagram page featured promotional videos and images underscoring their commitment to having the 48-year-old rapper perform.
As of writing, he remained scheduled to take to the stage.
Meanwhile, some online fans have threatened riots should the event be cancelled, illustrating the polarised reactions surrounding the show.
The backlash in Bratislava highlighted the global repercussions of West’s recent, many say controversial, actions.
In 2025, the rapper faced increasing ostracisation within the music industry, with fewer bookings and growing criticism.
Founded in 2022, the Rubicon festival primarily focused on hip-hop and had been held at the Agrokomplex exhibition centre in Nitra but was moved to Bratislava this year.
