The American rapper Kanye West, a controversial personality who has caused numerous controversies and reactions in the US with his statements and actions, is in Moscow on a private visitRussian media reported today.

Western musicians are avoiding traveling to Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine begins in February 2022.

“Kanye West is in Moscow! This is great news, it’s in the heart of the capital”he said producer Yana Rudkovskayaaccording to the Russian news agency TASS.

Ksenia Sobchak, a well-known figure in the Russian media, published a short video on Telegram which, according to her, shows the American rapper on the roof of the famous shopping center GOUM, to gaze at Red Square.

According to her, West is in Moscow to “celebrate his fortieth birthdayth friend of Gosa Rubczynski“, of a popular Russian fashion designer.

A crowd of about a hundred fans of the rapper gathered despite the heat in front of the Four Seasons hotel in central Moscow, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, an AFP reporter said.

“Everyone is waiting for Kanye West and everyone is hoping to take selfies or get autographs” said Alexander, an 18-year-old Russian, for whom the rapper is a “legend”.

West, who has previously expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has sparked ongoing controversy in the US with his comments, including one of his latest in which he praised Adolf Hitler.

The rapper, also known for his brand Yeezyhas become a showbiz pariah since making anti-Semitic comments in 2022. Several brands such as Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga cut off all collaboration and relationship with him.