Brazilian authorities have issued a strict warning to rapper Kanye West (Ye) ahead of his scheduled November 29performance in São Paulo, cautioning that any use of Nazi symbols or performance of his controversial song “Heil Hitler” could result in immediate arrest.
According to reports from Brazilian media, the São Paulo State Prosecutor’s Office received a formal complaint on Tuesday, November 11, demanding Ye’s detention if he performs the track or promotes Nazi ideology during his concert.
The complaint was filed by Councilwoman Cris Monteiro, while Prosecutor Ana Beatriz Pereira de Souza Frontiniissued an official order prohibiting swastikas, Nazi salutes, or any related imagery at the event.
São Paulo’s Mayor also confirmed that law enforcement officers will be deployed at the concert to intervene immediately if Ye—or any concertgoer—expresses support for Nazism or fascist ideology.
“Anyone who makes any apology for Nazism will be arrested,” the mayor warned, reiterating Brazil’s zero-tolerance policy on hate symbols and speech.
The event’s promoters, Guilherme Cavalcante and Jean Fabrício Ramos, could likewise face criminal charges for omission if Kanye West fails to comply with the court order. Authorities have indicated that the rapper and his team may be prosecuted for racism and collective moral damages under Brazilian law.
Despite the controversy, tickets for the show remain available, though Ye’s team is reportedly facing difficulties securing a new venue amid the growing legal and public backlash.
The warning comes as Kanye West continues what observers have described as a “repentance tour,” following global outrage over his past antisemitic remarks. Recently, he was spotted praying with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, in an apparent attempt to seek forgiveness and rebuild his public image.
Still, Brazilian authorities have made their stance unmistakable: if Kanye West brings Nazi references or performs “Heil Hitler” in São Paulo, the night could end not in applause—but in arrest.
