Overview
- Organisers of La Lune des Pirates announced on Wednesday that the electronic-music evening scheduled for September 19 featuring DJ Barbara Butch has been canceled because the venue could not ensure safe access for the public.
- La Lune des Pirates said its decision followed a review of contextual elements and access constraints at the new hall, and ticket-holders were notified that refunds would be made available.
- The Amiens branch of France-Palestine Solidarité hailed the cancellation as a victory for its boycott campaign, which had targeted the DJ over her past participation in an event at the French ambassador’s residence in Israel and her support for the contested Yadan proposal.
- National and regional political figures and Jewish organisations condemned the cancellation as unacceptable capitulation, with several calling on the state to enforce protections for artistic expression and public events.
- The decision follows a July 18 Grenoble incident where projectiles forced Barbara Butch to stop a set, the Grenoble municipality said it would file a complaint, the artist has said she will lodge legal complaints over harassment, and the culture ministry earlier issued guidance to strengthen enforcement against obstruction of performances.