Italian authorities have banned a scheduled concert by American rapper Kanye West in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, citing public safety and security concerns.

The artist, also known as Ye, had been due to perform on July 18 as part of the Pulse of Gaia Festival. However, local authorities announced that the event would no longer take place following a security assessment.

In a statement released on Friday, the prefect of the province, Salvatore Angieri, said the decision followed concerns raised by several groups, including the local Jewish community, which expressed reservations about the rapper’s appearance at the festival.

Authorities also cancelled a separate concert by Travis Scott scheduled for July 17.

According to the prefecture, the decision was taken to protect public order and safety, given the large crowds expected for both events within a short period. Officials also cited the cancellation of previous Kanye West concerts in other countries and the possibility of counter-demonstrations as factors in their assessment.

West has faced widespread criticism in recent years over a series of controversial statements and songs perceived as glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, as well as antisemitic remarks. The rapper has previously attributed some of his behaviour to bipolar disorder.

The controversy has led to multiple concert cancellations across Europe. Last month, the United Kingdom barred him from entering the country, resulting in the cancellation of a festival appearance. Planned performances in France, Poland and Switzerland were also called off.

Despite the latest setback, West recently performed in Istanbul and is still scheduled to hold concerts in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8, as well as in Tirana on July 11 and Prague on July 25.

In January, the rapper published a full-page advertisement in the The Wall Street Journal in which he denied being a Nazi or an antisemite and expressed support for Jewish people.