Overview

• The Istanbul governor’s office announced on Wednesday that it banned the French singer’s Friday show to prevent demonstrations near the venue.
• In its statement, the governorate said calls to protest were legitimate but framed the cancellation as a public-order measure.
• Enrico Macias, 86, told AFP he was profoundly surprised and saddened, saying he hoped to see his audience again.
• The decision followed a mid-August interview in which Macias reiterated support for Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack while saying he rejects terrorist violence.
• No rescheduled date or law-enforcement actions were reported, and the singer’s long ties to audiences in Istanbul and Izmir were noted by both sides.