Photo: Getty Images
The agency that promoted Ye's controversial concerts in Russia is now being investigated for potential fraud.
According to a report Russian outlet Kommersant published on Wednesday, September 30, police in St. Petersburg’s Petrogradsky district are looking into Say Agency's actions after fans who bought tickets to Ye's shows accused the promoters of fraud. The Grammy Award-winning rapper was previously advertised to perform at two shows on October 10 and 11 at Gazprom Arena in Moscow. However, customers allege their refund requests have been ignored even after the venue cancelled both shows a few weeks ago.
The Say Agency announced Ye's pair of shows in Russia in August and sold over 100,000 tickets within the first few days. Fans paid between 9,000 and 160,000 rubles ($107 to $2,000 USD) for tickets. Following the announcement, activists and politicians alike decried Ye's presence in Russia due to his past affinities for Adolf Hitler and Nazism. They even called on Ye to publicly support the country's “special military operation" in Ukraine before he hit the stage.
Amid political pressure, Gazprom Arena cancelled Ye's shows after claiming the promoters never signed any agreements for his performances. Say Agency denied the allegations and claimed they would find another venue. After the performances were removed from Gazprom Arena's schedule altogether, fans began demanding refunds and compensation for wasted travel accommodations while citing "emotional distress."
The investigation into potential fraud began after a member of St. Petersburg’s Legislative Assembly requested it. The member claimed they had received multiple complaints from fans who were preparing to attend the shows. Once all the details are gathered, police will send everything to Russia’s Interior Ministry headquarters, which will decide whether a criminal case will be opened.
Say Agency claimed that both shows were still on as of August 25, but they have not commented on the ongoing investigation. Ye also has not commented on the status of his shows. However, he recently told a judge he wouldn't be able to attend a trial date for his discrimination lawsuit because of his planned trip to Russia.