AceShowbiz - A coalition of Florida politicians, Jewish community leaders, and Holocaust survivors has publicly denounced the scheduled concerts by Kanye West in Tampa, Florida, citing concerns over his past antisemitic remarks and the appropriateness of using a publicly owned venue for his performances.

On June 15, 2026, a bipartisan group including Republican Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, along with Democrat Charlie Crist, joined forces with Jewish organizations and survivors of the Holocaust to protest the booking of concerts at Raymond James Stadium. This stadium is owned by the public, which has intensified the controversy surrounding the events.

The concerts, scheduled for later in June, have sparked significant backlash because of Kanye West’s history of antisemitic statements. Local leaders are challenging whether it is appropriate for a taxpayer-funded facility to host an artist who has made statements widely condemned as hateful.

During a gathering at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, Rick Scott emphasized that Kanye West has publicly identified himself with Nazi symbolism and rhetoric, which conflicts with the values upheld by the state of Florida. He stressed the importance of taxpayer involvement in decisions about events at public venues, given that the stadium is funded with public money.

Scott communicated concerns about the message this concert sends to Jewish residents in the city and state, expressing that allowing such events without accountability could contribute to feelings of marginalization and exclusion within the community. He underscored a collective responsibility to stand against hate in all forms.

In response, the Tampa Sports Authority issued a statement condemning antisemitism unequivocally but also defended the concerts on the grounds of free speech rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. The Authority clarified that no taxpayer funds are being used to stage the concerts, countering claims to the contrary.

Examples of Kanye West’s antisemitic behavior cited by protesters include his October 2022 post on X, where he threatened to go “death con 3 on Jewish people,” and his public praise of Adolf Hitler in a November 2022 interview. These remarks have fueled ongoing concerns about the potential impact of his shows.

Earlier this year, in January 2026, Kanye West issued an apology through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. He attributed his controversial statements to a prolonged manic episode linked to bipolar disorder, describing it as a period of psychotic and impulsive behavior that had a destructive effect on his life.

Despite the protests and public outcry, the concerts at Raymond James Stadium are planned to proceed as scheduled. In a related gesture, the Florida Holocaust Museum announced it will offer free admission from June 26 to June 28 in response to the situation, aiming to promote education and awareness.

This event has become a focal point of debate over the balance between free expression and community standards, especially when public funds and facilities intersect with controversial figures. It also highlights the sensitivity surrounding antisemitism and the responsibility of public institutions in addressing it.

The Tampa concerts come amid broader conversations about Kanye West’s public conduct and the consequences of his statements on various communities, particularly those affected by hate speech. The outcome of this controversy may influence how similar events are handled in public venues in the future.

As the dates approach, all eyes remain on Tampa, where local leaders, advocacy groups, and residents continue to call for accountability and emphasize the need to reject hate in all its manifestations.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.