Travis Scott and Kanye West concerts canceled in Reggio Emilia

The prefecture of Reggio Emilia canceled the concerts of rappers Travis Scott and Kanye West scheduled for July 17 and 18 at the RCF Arena, citing security and public order concerns. The decision was made during a provincial committee for order and security on May 25, attended by local authorities including the municipality and province of Reggio Emilia. The concerts were part of the Hellwatt festival, later renamed Pulse of Gaia, which has faced organizational difficulties and multiple name changes. The prefecture cited risks of managing counter-demonstrations, particularly for West due to his antisemitic and neo-Nazi statements, and the history of Scott's concerts drawing large, excitable crowds. The consumer association Codacons and the Jewish communities of Reggio Emilia and Modena had called for intervention. The festival, presented in February as one of the most ambitious in Italy, has been plagued by doubts about artistic director Victor Yari Milani, who was removed by venue operator C.Volo in early May over mismanagement, contradictory ticket sales communications, and cost overruns. The cancellation is a major blow to organizers, as Scott and West were the most anticipated acts.