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Venue in the Netherlands Cancels Rappers Bob Vylan due to Comments by Charlie Kirk

Venue in the Netherlands Cancels Rappers Bob Vylan due to Comments by Charlie Kirk

The scheduled performance of British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan in the Netherlands has been scrapped following backlash over remarks concerning the assassination of American activist Charlie Kirk.

Tilburg’s 013 Podium Concert Hall announced on Tuesday the cancellation of the group’s show after frontman Bobby Billan (real name Pascal Robinson Foster) made controversial comments during a concert in Amsterdam on Saturday night.

During the event, amidst the crowd’s enthusiasm, Vylan expressed:

The rapper went on to say, “Sometimes, you have to kick the Nazis with their fucking faces… fuck the fascists, fuck the Zionists. Go find them on the street!”

Following the exposure of his remarks, which quickly went viral, the 013 Podium decided to call off the show.

A spokesperson for the venue, in a statement to Detelegraph, mentioned: “I realize these comments were intended within the context of punk and activism, but even if the interpretations might vary, it seems those remarks crossed a line.”

“They are beyond what we can support at our venue.”

In response to the uproar, Bobby Billan stated on X that he wouldn’t “celebrate” Kirk’s murder and suggested that those upset by his comments should “calm down.”

Some, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, expressed skepticism. He wrote: “How reckless and dangerous of you to deliver such messages to your fans (pleasing the crowd to cheer along).”

“Your suggestion to ‘settle’ is inadequate. You should renounce your statements in favor of opposing violence. Promoting that murder is a valid means to silence free speech is perilous for everyone.”

This isn’t the first time the group has faced controversy. They previously drew scrutiny during a police investigation in the UK after inciting the crowd with a chant against the Israeli Defense Forces at the Glastonbury Music Festival in June.

The performance, which was aired across the UK by the BBC, led to significant backlash, resulting in the band being removed from management and facing visa issues for touring in the US.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has since vowed to bar “individuals who applaud violence and hatred” from obtaining visas.

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