Rapper Azealia Banks has pulled out of two UK music festivals, citing pressure from organisers to publicly support Palestine. The 34-year-old artist was scheduled to perform at Maiden Voyage in London and Boomtown in Hampshire this August but announced her withdrawal in a lengthy statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) this week. Banks claimed the promoters had made repeated attempts to coerce her into political statements, which she refused.
++ What’s the tallest tree in the world? Meet the giants over 100 metres tall
In her post, Banks alleged the organisers had threatened to remove her from the line-up unless she endorsed pro-Palestinian messaging, something she said she would not do. “The promoters have been stressing me out for weeks trying to force me to say ‘Free Palestine’,” she wrote. “I’m not dealing with the threats, and I’m not putting on a bloody hijab.” She went on to accuse the festivals of giving in to pressure from unnamed DJs and “performative activists”.
In response, Boomtown Festival confirmed her cancellation, stating: “Following her post on X, we can confirm Azealia Banks has withdrawn from the line-up and will no longer be performing. For clarity, Boomtown does not and will never dictate the personal views and beliefs of performers.” Maiden Voyage festival also confirmed her withdrawal via Instagram, noting a replacement act would be announced shortly. Neither festival addressed Banks’ specific allegations in detail.
++ Chagos Islands agreement faces legal challenge over lack of consultation
The controversy follows Banks’ recent public declaration of support for Israel, including the statement “F**k Palestine” on social media, which drew widespread criticism. Throughout her career, Banks has been a highly polarising figure, often making headlines for her incendiary remarks. She has previously spoken about her mental health diagnoses, including PTSD, ADHD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
