Action Bronson joins the list of rappers like Tyga that have been the subject of protests and petitions for their lyrical content.
This time the New York-based rapper has been targeted by over 25,000 people that don’t want to see him perform at Toronto’s NXNE festival in June. Click here to see the online boycott.
The protest, started by a woman named Erica Shiner, states the following:
We urge you to stop your support for Action Bronson performing at Yonge and Dundas Square as part of the NXNE music festival on June 21st 2015. The content of his music glorifies raping and murdering women. It is completely inappropriate that an artist like this be hosted at a venue owned and operated by the City of Toronto, as part of a festival which is funded by various levels of government. It demonstrates that NXNE, the City of Toronto, and Vans Footwear turn a blind eye to rape culture and violence against women. He should not be given a voice through the support of any of the aforementioned groups.
Please refer to the petition for a sample of his content and some personal messages from others who have signed the petition.
The petition specifically cites songs “Consensual Rape” and a video where Bronson eats his meal off a dead woman before rolling her up in a carpet.
Bronson fired back on social media and blasted his “haters” in a fashion fans are accustomed it.
NXNE organizers released their own statement in support of Action Bronsom:
On Tuesday, May 26 a group of concerned Torontonians created a petition to remove Action Bronson from NXNE’s lineup on Sunday, June 21 at Yonge-Dundas Square. The petition has spawned a passionate online discussion. The Festival would like to address this topic.
Action Bronson performed at Yonge-Dundas Square as part of NXNE in 2012 with Killer Mike, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. It was a positive concert that was described by reviewers as “laid back”, “a lot of fun” and a “world class hip-hop showcase”. NXNE is confident the lineup on June 21 at Yonge-Dundas Square will make for another enjoyable day of music in a public space.
“NXNE will also present a number of rap artists at various venues, such as Tink and Kate Tempest, who have be lauded for the undisguised feminist viewpoints in their music.” says Sara Peel, Managing Director of NXNE. ” “That being said, in the interest of moving forward in a positive manner, we are engaging in discussion with our community about this important issue, and looking to provide opportunities for concerned voices to be heard.”
NXNE believes each and every one of these artists have the right to express their views through music, but those views belong to them and them alone. Those who are offended by an artist are invited to check out other Festival showcases, as NXNE will present hundreds of artists this June – some may be considered controversial, but most are just plain fun.
Bronson is also receiving support from fans and a counter-petition has been launched to “stop feminist extremists from censoring Action Bronson’s free speech and his performance at NXNE.”
