Slovak Rap Festival Canceled Over Kanye West Controversy

The cancellation of the Rubicon Festival, scheduled for July 18-20, was attributed to "external pressure and logistical challenges" by its organizers.

The festival was promoted as Kanye West's sole European appearance this year. But controversy soon ensued when it emerged that the controversial rapper was included in the line-up.

Public and Artist Backlash
Over 5,000 people signed a petition calling for West to be removed from its festival. He has faced widespread condemnation around the world for previous comments, among them for statements in praise of Adolf Hitler and antisemitic remarks.

In May West released a track Heil Hitler (hooligan version) which only served to stoke more anger.

Even though the Rubicon Festival tried to position the event as being about "artistic freedom, not hatred," the creeping controversy was too much. Artists started pulling out of the event, and one of the two lead organizers also backed out.

Organizers Issue Apology
Three other organizers in an update on social media said that they regretted the decision to cancel. "It's with great sadness that we announce: 2020 Rubicon Festival will not be happening," the statement said. They blamed media pressure and the departure of artists and partners for the decision, saying they were no longer able to produce the festival at the level that attendees anticipated.

The Rubicon Festival was intended to be a big deal for the Slovak music scene, until plans to feature West — who has since changed his name to Ye — caused its takedown in the face of criticisms and political scandal.