Kanye West faces threat of arrest if he performs lyrics that promote Nazism at Brazil concert
Kanye West has been warned not to perform lyrics that promote Nazism in Brazil.
Kanye West’s planned concert in São Paulo has sparked a political and legal firestorm in Brazil, with authorities warning the rapper could be arrested on stage if he performs lyrics deemed to promote Nazism.
The show, reportedly scheduled for November 29, has yet to confirm a venue - but it’s already drawing fierce backlash from Brazilian officials.
As reported by Metrópoles, São Paulo’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued a stark warning: if West performs the unreleased track Heil Hitler or makes any public statements glorifying Adolf Hitler, he could be detained immediately.
The controversy stems from a leaked snippet of the track, which allegedly includes lyrics praising the Nazi dictator. Brazil has strict laws criminalising the promotion of Nazi ideology, and officials are treating the matter as a potential hate crime.
São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes has taken a hard line, stating that no municipal venue will host an artist “who promotes Nazism.” Riot police have reportedly been placed on standby, and the city is working to block access to public spaces for the event.
West - who now goes by Ye - has faced mounting criticism in recent years for antisemitic remarks and social media posts. While he recently met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto in an apparent attempt to apologise and “take accountability,” Brazilian authorities remain unconvinced.
Promoters Guilherme Cavalcante and Jean Fabrício Ramos (aka Faublous Fabz) are also under scrutiny, with prosecutors warning that anyone involved in facilitating the performance of banned content could face legal consequences.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the concert will go ahead - or if Ye will alter his setlist to avoid arrest.
