The Florida Holocaust Museum says it will offer free admission during Kanye West’s upcoming shows in Tampa.
The announcement comes just days after Sen. Rick Scott wrote a letter to the Tampa Sports Authority — the manager of Raymond James Stadium — to reconsider the rapper’s shows later this month, citing his “consistent antisemitic attacks” and “hateful rhetoric” towards the Jewish community.
The museum is echoing that statement, alleging that the musician, also known as Ye, has “glorified” the Holocaust for years and has supported the Nazi mindset through his music, rhetoric and merchandise.
As a result, museum officials said they’re inviting everyone to visit for free June 26-28 to continue their mission: educate the public on how to fight antisemitism — and why that fight matters.
“Feigned apologies for this display have lacked sincerity and evidenced his commitment to one thing: his own financial gain at the cost of humanity.
He does not belong in our community.
When an antisemitic public figure sells out arenas like Raymond James Stadium, it sends a message that anti-Jewish bigotry can be accepted or overlooked for the sake of something as simple as a concert. That’s never a good message to send, but it’s a particularly bad one amidst a historic spate of antisemitic activity that often involves violence.
Rejecting figures like Kanye communicates the opposite: that caring for others is most important and we can stand side-by-side with our Jewish community members.
Sometimes, the best way to fight antisemitism is by refusing to support it – that is, not doing something. Today, The Florida Holocaust Museum reminds all of us that we have an opportunity right here and now to say, ‘No. Not in my backyard,'” the Florida Holocaust Museum wrote.
The rapper is no stranger to similar backlash. In April, he was banned from entering the U.K., where he was scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival in July, after a backlash over his history of antisemitic remarks.
Festival organizers canceled the three-day outdoor event as a result of the travel ban and said those who had bought tickets would get refunds. Ye applied for an electronic travel authorization to visit the U.K., but it was blocked by the government on the grounds that his presence in the country would not be “conducive to the public good.”
The rapper then went on to postpone his June 11 show in the city of Marseille after French authorities said they would seek to ban the concert.
As of this report, Ye is still scheduled to perform at Raymond James Stadium on June 26 and 28.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.