Russian state media have stirred speculation by claiming that American rapper and producer Kanye West, now known as Ye, is visiting Moscow. However, these reports remain unverified, with CNN unable to independently confirm the artist’s presence in the Russian capital.
According to TASS, a Russian state news agency, West arrived in Moscow on a private visit, as reported by the brand team of Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, who heads design for West’s fashion brand Yeezy. Adding to the intrigue, RIA Novosti, another state media outlet, reported that West posted “Hi, Moscow” on the Russian social media platform VK, though his account there is not verified.
If true, this visit would mark West as the first major American celebrity to travel to Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, potentially carrying significant diplomatic implications.
Several videos have emerged in Russian media purportedly showing West and his security detail in Moscow, but the footage does not clearly identify the artist. Music producer Yana Rudkovskaya shared a video allegedly showing West’s back as he enters a room, suggesting he might visit Luzhniki Stadium. However, stadium officials have stated they have no information about a planned Kanye West concert.
Adding to the confusion, Eduard Ratnikov, general director of the Talent Concert International agency, dismissed reports of a potential West concert in Moscow as “hype and fake” in a statement to TASS.
The conflicting reports and lack of official confirmation have left many questioning the veracity of the visit claims. CNN has reached out to West’s management for comment, but no response has been received at the time of reporting.
As the situation unfolds, the potential visit raises questions about celebrity diplomacy and the role of high-profile figures in international relations, especially given the current geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. The music and entertainment world watches closely, awaiting concrete evidence of West’s presence in Moscow and any potential performances or collaborations that might result from such a visit.
