Ye Draws Nearly 40,000 in Netherlands Concert Despite Protests
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Ye Draws Nearly 40,000 in Netherlands Concert Despite Protests
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Summary
Nearly 40,000 fans packed Arnhem’s GelreDome on Saturday for Ye’s first major Western European performance in more than a decade, with the roughly two-hour show going ahead despite protests outside.
A small group of demonstrators condemned his antisemitic behavior, including a song titled “Heil Hitler,” but inside the arena the crowd sang along to hits such as “Power,” “Stronger” and “King.”
Ye spoke little beyond telling the audience, “This crowd is too crazy,” performing atop a globe-like stage set as many attendees said they were there for the music, not his views.
The concert highlighted both his enduring fan appeal and the backlash surrounding him since his 2022 antisemitic posts; a second Netherlands show is scheduled for Monday, his 49th birthday.