Latest / Fresh Intelligence / EXCLUSIVE: Kanye West Gig Sparks Protest Fears - As Mayor Issues Groveling Message Insisting He Wasn't Behind Booking Scandal-Mired Rapper for Huge Summer City Show
Transcript
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- 0:11[SPEAKER_01]: Here's Fresh Intelligence first to start your day.
- 0:18[SPEAKER_00]: RadarOnline.com reports that Kanye West is facing rising protest fears ahead of his scheduled performance at the wireless festival in London from July 10 to 12.
- 0:27[SPEAKER_00]: This announcement follows the March 28 release of his latest album, Bullie.
- 0:31[SPEAKER_00]: The booking has sparked backlash from community groups criticizing the rapper's history of anti-Semitic remarks and controversial behavior.
- 0:38[SPEAKER_00]: London City Hall clarified that the decision was made by festival organizers and not endorsed by Mayor Sadik Khan's office.
- 0:45[SPEAKER_00]: A spokesperson for Khan stated, we are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of London's values.
- 0:54[SPEAKER_00]: A city hall source added that the mayor wanted to emphasize his lack of involvement in securing West's participation, acknowledging community concerns about potential protests.
- 1:03[SPEAKER_00]: Jewish organizations, including the UK's Jewish Leadership Council, have condemned the booking as deeply irresponsible, highlighting a growing climate of anti-Semitism within the UK.
- 1:13[SPEAKER_00]: An insider familiar with the situation noted, there is a growing expectation that protests could take place around the festival.
- 1:20[SPEAKER_00]: A lot of people feel this booking sends the wrong message, given Kanye's past statements.
- 1:25[SPEAKER_00]: West has been criticized for endorsing anti-Semitic views, including praising Adolf Hitler and merchandise featuring a swastika.
- 1:32[SPEAKER_00]: This backlash has resulted in severed brand partnerships and canceled appearances.
- 1:37[SPEAKER_00]: Earlier this year, West issued a public apology in a Wall Street Journal advertisement, addressing his mental health issues.
- 1:43[SPEAKER_00]: He reflected the scariest thing about this, bipolar, disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you
- 1:51[SPEAKER_00]: I lost touch with reality.
- 1:53[SPEAKER_00]: He expressed remorse for his past actions and mentioned, I am not a Nazi or an anti-Semite.
- 1:58[SPEAKER_00]: I love Jewish people.
- 2:00[SPEAKER_00]: West, who shares four children with Kim Kardashian and is now married to Bianca Sinsori, stated his commitment to progressing positively, saying, I'm pouring my energy into positive, meaning full art.
- 2:11[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not asking for sympathy or a free pass.
- 2:15[SPEAKER_01]: Now don't you feel smarter for more fresh intelligence visit radaronline.com and hit subscribe.