Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist have jointly requested the Tampa Sports Authority to cancel two scheduled concerts by rapper Ye, citing his antisemitic remarks. A bipartisan group of Florida leaders gathered outside the Florida Holocaust Museum to express their concerns about taxpayer dollars potentially supporting the concerts. Ye, previously known as Kanye West, has made controversial statements, including praising Hitler.
The Tampa Bay Sports Authority, which manages Raymond James Stadium, stated that it operates as a public agency and respects free speech rights, even when the speech is controversial. They also asserted that no taxpayer money is being used for the concerts. Scott expressed that Ye's comments are offensive to Florida's Jewish community and called for action against the concerts. Crist, who has shifted from Republican to Democrat since his governorship, is currently running for mayor of St. Petersburg.
Despite the criticism, Ye is still scheduled to perform on June 26 and June 28. The Tampa Sports Authority emphasized their commitment to free speech while condemning antisemitism.