Kanye West visits Moscow

American rapper Kanye West, the source of repeated controversies in the United States, is in Moscow for a private visit, Russian media reported on Sunday. 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 Rudkovskaïa, 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 “celebrating the fortieth birthday of his friend Gosha Rubchinskiy”a popular Russian designer.

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 including Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga have cut ties with him. The American rapper was recently sued by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, who claims West sent her explicit videos and text messages before firing her.