Thursday, 11 July. 01 Jul. US rapper Kanye West was in Moscow for a private visit, Russian media reported on Sunday, quoting a wellknown Russian producer. Western artists have mostly avoided performing in Russia since the start of its offensive in Ukraine, which led to massive US and European sanctions and travel restrictions to the country. Kanye West, who has stirred controversy with his political statements in the United States and was recently accused of praising Adolf Hitler, has expressed admiration for President Vladimir Putin in the past. "Kanye West is already in Moscow! This is great news, he is staying in the heart of the capital," the state TASS news agency quoted producer Yana Rudkovskaya as saying on social media. Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian television anchor, published a short video on Telegram, which showed the rapper observing Red Square from the roof of the GUM department store. READ Kanye West accused of racism and antisemitism as new lawsuit alleges that the rapper praised Hitler. She said West was in Moscow to celebrate the 40th birthday of his friend Gosha Rubchinskiy, a Russian fashion designer. About a hundred people gathered in front of the Four Seasons hotel, hoping to catch sight of him. Kanye West, also known for his Yeezy fashion line, became a pariah in the world of show business after making repeated antiSemitic comments in 2022. Companies such as Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga cut their ties with him. Rumours swept Moscow last month that he would perform a concert in the Russian capital. But Luzhniki Stadium, where he was rumoured to perform, told state media it did not have information on a possible concert. . 6h ago. Free to listen for subscribers. News24's July audiobook that s free to listen to for subscribers is former UCT vice chancellor Max Price s memoir, Statues and Storms: Leading through Change. Can you ace them all?. Today s crossword, wordflower, sudoku and weekly news quiz. Sommelier  Biweekly. A new biweekly newsletter by wine editor Dal ne Fourie. 10 Jul. 10 Jul. 03 Jul. 08 Jul
US rapper Kanye West is currently in Moscow for a private visit, according to Russian media. West, known for his controversial political statements, previously expressed admiration for President Putin. He is in Moscow to celebrate his friend's birthday and was seen observing Red Square. West faced backlash for alleged racist and anti-Semitic comments in 2022, leading several companies to sever ties with him. Although rumors of a concert circulated, Luzhniki Stadium denied knowledge of such an event.