Mystery surrounds Hellwatt Festival in Reggio Emilia featuring Kanye West

The Hellwatt Festival, scheduled from July 4 to 18 at Campovolo (RCF Arena) in Reggio Emilia, Italy, has raised serious concerns due to its opaque organization. The festival boasts a lineup including Travis Scott and Kanye West, the latter facing cancellations elsewhere over antisemitic remarks. The artistic director, Victor Yari Milani, 42, has no known experience in large-scale events; his only public appearance included unverifiable claims about organizing a wedding for Vladimir Putin's daughter and working with Cristiano Ronaldo. Local authorities, including the province and comune of Reggio Emilia, have demanded assurances on safety and transparency. Ticket sales have been chaotic, with price drops and refund issues. The festival's costs are estimated at €25-30 million for artist fees alone, but sponsors are absent and the source of funding is unclear. Only 150 local police are planned for security, and no public safety committee has been convened. The festival relies on C.Volo, which manages the RCF Arena, but the venue has struggled financially. Despite partnerships with experienced firms like Moment Factory and Zamna, the overall organization appears amateurish, prompting unions and journalists to call for clarity.