Thousands of fans attended a concert by American rapper and music producer Kanye West in the Dutch city of Arnhem on Saturday, despite ongoing controversy surrounding his past antisemitic remarks and the cancellation of several of his performances across Europe.
An estimated 40,000 people gathered at the Gelredome for the show, with many fans saying they chose to focus on the artist’s music rather than his controversial public statements.
West, who now goes by the name Ye, has faced widespread criticism in recent years over comments perceived as antisemitic, including remarks praising Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, the release of a song titled Heil Hitler, and the sale of swastika-branded merchandise on his website.
Despite the backlash, concertgoers expressed support for the music while distancing themselves from the artist’s views.
Some fans told reporters they did not endorse West’s controversial statements but believed his artistic work should be judged separately from his personal conduct.
Outside the venue, members of the Dutch Jewish organization CIDI staged a small protest, displaying placards featuring some of the rapper’s previous remarks.
CIDI Director Naomi Mestrum said the organization opposed the concert and had sought its cancellation, arguing that the artist’s past comments should not be overlooked.
“We cannot ignore the antisemitic rhetoric that has been spread,” Mestrum said, adding that the group was disappointed that West was allowed to perform in the Netherlands after several other European countries had effectively rejected his appearances.
The protest followed a legal challenge that sought to stop the concert. However, a court in Amsterdam ruled that the performances did not pose a threat to public order and could proceed as scheduled.
West has previously denied being antisemitic and has attempted to distance himself from some of his remarks, attributing aspects of his behavior to struggles with bipolar disorder.
Several planned concerts by the rapper have been cancelled in countries including the United Kingdom, France, Poland and Italy amid the controversy.
Despite those cancellations, the artist remains scheduled to perform in Tirana on July 11 and in Prague on July 25.
The Arnhem concert highlighted the continued divide between critics who argue that public figures should be held accountable for harmful rhetoric and fans who maintain that artistic work can be separated from an artist’s personal views.
