12 hours ago
Azealia Banks cancels UK festivals with claims she was pressured to 'support Pal
Azealia Banks has announced that she will no longer be performing Boomtown of Maiden Voyage after 'dealing with threats' from organisers.
The controversial American rapper, 34, took to social media to claim that she was being forced to say she supports Palestine or be cut from the lineup, a claim the promoters deny.
Taking to X, the 212 singer told her fans: 'So guys, I am cancelling Boomtown and Maiden Voyage.
'The promoters have been stressing me out for weeks trying to force me to say free Palestine and threatening to cut me from the bill because I won't say free Palestine and I'm not dealing with the threats and I'm not putting on a f***ing hijab.
She added: 'I would much rather drop them and not associate with anything that has cheap group think bull***t attached to it.
'If they want to allow some no-name dj's to bully them into desecrating the nature of this music ecosystem and make ME the issue – whilst there being absolutely no ethical consumption under capitalism. Then that's fine.
She clarified her stance in a following tweet that read: 'And no, I'm not saying f**k actual Palestine. But f**k your dumb a** slogans and performative bulls**t. Y'all wanna make a stance so bad but stand for absolutely nothing.'
She continued to share various messages to her fans on social media, taking aim at organisers and performative Palestine supporters.
Boomtown confirmed in a statement to Metro that they have not, and would not, dictate the beliefs of performers.
'Following her post on X in the early hours of this morning, we can confirm that Azealia Banks has withdrawn from the lineup and will no longer be performing at Boomtown Festival.
'For clarity, Boomtown does not and will never dictate the personal views and beliefs of performers,' a spokesperson said.
The festival announced in January 2024 that it would be fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians, and an optional donation was put on all ticket purchases.
The festival is set to take place from August 6 to August 10 at the Matterly Estate, Hampshire. Maiden Voyage Festival will take place on August 9 in Burgess Park, London.
The change in lineup comes just weeks after Banks took to social media to claim that she was a Zionist.
'It should all be Israel. Palestine cannot support itself without help from other countries so the people should just leave or become naturalised Israelis,' she shared on X.
'Palestine is not a country. The area is called JUDEA for a reason.'
The star has become known for her controversial comments, and throughout her career has been accused of homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia towards a variety of different nationalities.
Notably, the star has shared a number of rants on X and Instagram, taking aim at various celebrities including Zayn Malik, Skai Jackson, and Kanye West. More Trending
In 2016, she filed a police report against Russell Crowe after falling out during a hotel suite party.
She also found herself at the centre of controversy in 2021 when she posted a video on Instagram of her exhuming the remains and collecting the bones of her dead cat, Lucifer.
Metro has reached out to Maiden Voyage Festival for comment.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Michael Cera reveals relatable reason he 'turned down' Harry Potter role
MORE: Diddy's explicit 'freak-off' texts revealed as sex trafficking charges are updated
MORE: Brad Pitt says he's 'missed the window' to have a gay experience
