American rapper Kanye West, who has repeatedly sparked controversy in the United States, is in Moscow on a private visit, Russian media reported on Sunday.
KEYSTONE
Western musicians have mostly avoided Russia since the start of the offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, which led to a barrage of sanctions against Moscow and a serious crisis in relations with the West.
“Kanye West is in Moscow! This is excellent news, it is in the heart of the capital,” announced producer Yana Rudkovskaya, quoted by the public press agency TASS.
Ksenia Sobchak, a former Russian presidential candidate, published a short video on Telegram which she claims shows the American rapper on the roof of the famous GOUM shopping center, observing Red Square.
According to her, Kanye West is in Moscow to “celebrate the fortieth birthday of his friend Gosha Rubchinskiy”, a popular Russian stylist.
Controversial remarks
Kanye West, who has previously expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has sparked controversy in his country after praising Adolf Hitler.
The artist, also known for his fashion brand Yeezy, has become a show-business pariah since he made anti-Semitic comments in 2022. Several brands such as Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga have cut ties with him.
© Agence France-Presse
