JAKARTA - Slovakia's largest rap music festival, Rubicon, has certainly canceled after protests emerged from local people, in which there was a petition with the signature of thousands of people who criticized Kanye West's presence as the main star.
In a statement posted on social media, organizer Rubicon has announced that the festival has been canceled due to media pressure and the withdrawal of several artists and partners.
"Dear fans and partners, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your patience and support. Due to various unexpected conditions, including external pressure and logistical challenges, we regret to say that the Rubicon Festival will not be held this year," reads the organizer's statement, quoted from Instagram's statement, Monday, July 14.
"We understand that this news is disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are working hard to resolve this situation and will provide more information in the coming days, including details on the process of returning ticket funds," he continued.
Although it did not directly refer to the protests against Kanye West as the main cause of the cancellation, organizers said the decision was taken in a way that was not easy.
"This is not the end of Rubicon. We are not giving up. We have tried to come back stronger," he said.
Initially, the Rubicon organizer responded to the petition in a statement 'recording how Kanye West had previously disclosed unacceptable statements about the Jewish community and disturbing historical references.
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However, the statement also stated that the rapper had deleted his comments, publicly apologized, and admitted that he needed time for self-reflection and professional assistance.
"We believe that festival visitors have the right to witness one of the most influential artists of our time directly not because of his past, but because of his music," the statement continued. "We believe that festival visitors have the right to witness one of the most influential artists of our time directly not because of his past, but because of his music, his vision, and his power to inspire."
For information, Kanye West's latest controversy took place on May 8 this year coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Germany's defeat in the Second World War when he released a song titled 'Heil Hitler'.
Earlier this year, the rapper who is familiarly called Yr was also charged with discrimination and accused of sending a text message "Alil Hitler" to a Jewish Yeezy employee.
Then in February, the rapper deleted his Yeezy site, leaving only a white shirt with a large swastika picture on the chest available for sale.
The song also caused West to be barred from traveling to Australia, and Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the rapper's visa had been revoked.
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