Kanye West Cleared to Perform in Netherlands After UK, Poland Bans

American rapper Kanye West, now officially known as Ye, is set to perform in the Netherlands next month despite facing bans and canceled appearances in several other countries over his controversial remarks and behavior.

Dutch authorities confirmed on Friday that there were no legal grounds to prevent the rapper from entering the country ahead of two scheduled concerts at the GelreDome stadium in Arnhem on June 6 and June 8. The performances will mark Ye’s first European shows since 2014.

The decision comes after lawmakers in the Dutch parliament urged the government to deny the rapper entry because of his history of antisemitic comments and public praise of Adolf Hitler. However, Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said authorities found no sufficient legal justification to block him from entering the Netherlands.

Ye has faced mounting backlash globally following a series of controversies, including the release of a song titled “Heil Hitler” and previous antisemitic statements that sparked widespread condemnation. Several countries and event organizers have distanced themselves from the rapper in recent months.

In the United Kingdom, officials reportedly denied Ye entry earlier this year, forcing the cancellation of his planned appearance at the 2026 Wireless Festival in London. Poland also canceled a planned concert, while a scheduled show in Marseille, France, was postponed amid political pressure and public criticism.

Despite the controversy, organizers of the Dutch concerts insist the events will proceed as planned. Authorities in Arnhem said no formal protest permits had been requested as of Friday.

Earlier this year, Ye issued a public apology for his past conduct in a paid newspaper advertisement, claiming his actions were linked to untreated bipolar disorder and a brain injury. He denied being a Nazi or antisemite and said he was seeking treatment and accountability.