TAMPA, Fla. — Sen. Rick Scott isn’t happy about two Tampa concerts from “antisemite Kanye West” — and he doesn’t want Florida taxpayers on the hook for the shows.

Scott published a letter aimed at the Tampa Sports Authority Thursday afternoon, urging the organization to rethink its use of tax dollars ahead of Ye’s June 26 and June 28 concerts at Raymond James Stadium.

“Kanye West’s consistent antisemitic attacks are an affront to the values of the people of the Hillsborough community,” Scott wrote. “He has openly praised Nazis, called himself one, and slandered Jews across the world. Kanye West also funded a Superbowl ad in 2025 that directed viewers to purchase merchandise featuring swastikas.

“West’s remarks are vile and a slap in the face to our state’s Jewish community,” he continued. “It is troubling that a stadium supported by taxpayer dollars would openly subsidize an event led by an artist known for pushing this dangerous, hateful rhetoric, especially with Florida having one of the largest Jewish populations in our country.”

The controversial concerts have divided music fans. Some readers are traveling from across the country to attend the show. Others couldn’t even be persuaded by free tickets from Ye himself.

Ye took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal to apologize for his antisemitism, attributing his behavior to his bipolar disorder and brain damage sustained from a car accident.

It still has cost him shows in London and France after local leaders refused to grant him travel documentation and spoke out against him in the press.

Scott referenced these instances in his letter.

“West has been condemned by political figures across the political aisle. His outbursts and hate have helped to mainstream antisemitism,” he wrote.

“I urge you to carefully review this decision, given the fact that taxpayer dollars are helping the show go on. I am confident that the Tampa Sports Authority will continue fostering a safe and inclusive community, especially for Jewish Floridians. No taxpayer dollars should be used to give a vocal antisemite a stage in Florida, and I am sure that you will take appropriate action to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Prior to Scott’s letter, Eric Hart, the president and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority, which operates RayJay, had expressed enthusiasm over Ye’s Tampa shows as part of a summer and fall concert slate that includes concerts by Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran.

Asked last month by the Tampa Bay Times why Ye chose Tampa for his only scheduled North American shows, Hart said in a statement: “Why not Tampa! Raymond James Stadium and Team Tampa Bay are world renowned for our hospitality, professionalism, and collaborative business environment. Tampa is now a ‘must-play’ market for some of the largest entertainment and sporting events. ... The fun is just beginning!”

On Thursday, however, the Tampa Sports Authority issued a statement striking a different tone.

“We recognize the concerns and viewpoints being expressed about the upcoming events at Raymond James Stadium,” it states. “As a public agency, we follow the principles of free speech in operating our venue, although we do not condone remarks or actions from any artists that are offensive and divisive.”

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