Kanye West faces arrest threat in Brazil over controversial ‘Hitler’ song performance

Kanye West risks arrest in Brazil if he performs his song “Heil Hitler,” amid warnings over Nazi references

Kanye West is once again facing major controversy — this time in Brazil — where authorities have warned that he could be arrested if he performs his track “Heil Hitler.”

The São Paulo State Prosecutor’s Office issued a strict ruling on Tuesday ahead of West’s scheduled concert on November 29, warning that any Nazi references, lyrics, or symbols will not be tolerated. The directive follows a formal complaint filed by Councilwoman Cris Monteiro, who urged prosecutors to take preemptive action against the rapper’s controversial song.

Prosecutor Ana Beatriz Pereira de Souza Frontini responded with an official notice banning the display of swastikas, Nazi salutes, or clothing featuring fascist imagery during West’s concert. São Paulo’s mayor also confirmed that local police will be stationed at the venue, ready to arrest Kanye or anyone “who makes any apology for Nazism.”

If found in violation, West and his team could face charges related to racism and collective moral damages. The concert’s promoters, Guilherme Cavalcante and Jean Fabrício Ramos, may also face arrest for failing to prevent the performance.

Tickets for the São Paulo show remain on sale, but organizers are reportedly scrambling to secure a compliant venue. Meanwhile, West—who recently appeared in a video praying alongside Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto—has publicly expressed efforts to atone for his past antisemitic remarks.

Despite these gestures, the Brazilian government’s warning makes it clear that any hint of Nazi glorification will not be tolerated when Kanye takes the stage later this month.