The Silesian Stadium in Chorzów cancelled Kanye West's scheduled June 19 concert following government pressure over the rapper's antisemitic comments and Nazi symbolism.
Polish Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska had condemned the booking and threatened to use state powers to block West's entry into the country. The venue announced the cancellation Friday, citing "formal and legal reasons" without elaborating further.
We are talking about an artist who has publicly expressed antisemitic views, downplayed crimes, and profited from selling swastika T-shirts
Marta Cienkowska, Culture Minister — Notes from Poland
The cancellation adds Poland to a growing list of European countries blocking West's tour. Britain denied him a visa to headline Wireless Festival, forcing the event's complete cancellation. France postponed his Marseille concert "until further notice" amid similar entry ban discussions.
West's controversial actions include releasing a track titled "Heil Hitler," selling swastika merchandise, and making pro-Nazi statements. In February 2023, he began selling swastika T-shirts through his online store before the commerce platform Shopify removed it.
The BBC frames this as part of a broader European rejection of West, emphasizing the UK's role in initiating the visa blocks and connecting Poland's decision to Britain's precedent. Their coverage positions the UK as leading principled action against antisemitism in entertainment.