Key Points
- Ye (Kanye Omari West) is due to play in São Paulo. Prosecutors say performing the song would be illegal and racist.
- Police were told to detain Ye if he plays the song. Promoters could face arrest under the same order.
- Complaint came from councilwoman Cris Monteiro to the human rights office. The move follows Ye’s recent antisemitic posts and song release.
Ye (Kanye Omari West) is due to perform in São Paulo on Nov 29. The São Paulo public prosecutor told police to detain him if he sings.
The order covers performing the track Heil Hitler and wearing Nazi symbols. Promoters could also be arrested under the preventive measure, officials said.
What prosecutors want
Councillor Cris Monteiro filed a complaint with the human rights office. She asked for a preventive order to stop racist acts at the show.
Prosecutors said the song and any Nazi praise could meet Brazil’s racism law. They told police to act quickly if the line is crossed.
Ye’s recent behaviour
This year Ye caused outrage with antisemitic posts and Nazi symbols. He released the song Heil Hitler in May and removed it later.
Last week he met a rabbi and apologised for his comments and actions. His apology was a step many saw as a move toward repair.
Brazil’s public prosecutor warned that chanting or dressing with Nazi signs is a crime. If Ye or promoters ignore the order, police may make arrests at the venue.
The song was removed from streaming platforms after public outcry this year. Its release had reignited debate over speech and hate in music.
Legal experts say Brazil’s racism law covers praise for Nazism in public acts. Courts can impose preventive measures to stop hate speech before events.
Police and prosecutors have not yet said if they will act before the show. Organisers and Ye’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
