Slovakia Rubicon Festival Cancelled Over Kanye West Controversy

The Rubicon Festival in Slovakia, scheduled to feature Kanye West as the headliner for his only European show of 2025, was cancelled due to external pressure and logistical challenges. The cancellation followed protests and a petition signed by over 6,000 people opposing West's appearance, citing his antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements, including his May release of the song 'Heil Hitler' and selling swastika T-shirts. Several Slovakian artists and one of the festival organizers withdrew from the event, and West himself deleted an Instagram post announcing the concert. Organizers expressed regret over the cancellation and promised refunds to ticket holders, while affirming their intention to return with future editions. The festival venue was reported to be an unharvested wheat field outside Bratislava, highlighting logistical difficulties. West's controversial actions have effectively isolated him from the mainstream music industry worldwide, as seen also in Australia's cancellation of his visa.