photo_cameraPhoto · VIP-News
General News
Slovakian Festival Canceled Amid Backlash Over Kanye West Booking
Rubicon Festival, a rap event in Slovakia that had promoted Kanye West’s only planned European appearance in 2025, has been canceled, promoters confirmed.
Originally scheduled for July 18–20, the festival was called off due to what promoters described as “external pressure and logistical challenges.”
The announcement followed mounting criticism over the inclusion of West—also known as Ye—on the lineup, with over 5,000 people signing a petition urging his removal.
West has faced significant public backlash in recent years over a series of inflammatory remarks, including antisemitic comments and controversial references to Adolf Hitler. In May, he released a track titled Heil Hitler (hooligan version), further fueling criticism.
In a statement posted to Instagram, the festival’s organizers said: “It is with regret that we announce: Rubicon Festival will not take place this year. This was not an easy decision. Due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners, we were unable to deliver the festival at the standard of quality you deserve.”
Prior to the cancellation, the festival had defended the booking, stating on its website that it aimed to be “an expression of artistic freedom, not hatred.” However, the controversy led to the exit of one of the two organizers and the withdrawal of multiple performers from the bill.