Azealia Banks has withdrawn from two upcoming UK music festivals, citing alleged pressure from organizers to make a political statement regarding Palestine. The rapper announced her cancellation from Boomtown and Maiden Voyage—both scheduled for August—via social media, claiming she was urged to publicly say “Free Palestine” or risk being dropped from the lineups.
Banks shared her frustration on X, writing, “The promoters have been stressing me out for weeks trying to force me to say ‘Free Palestine’… I’m not dealing with the threats.” She also expressed her refusal to participate in what she described as “cheap group think,” accusing the festivals of trying to “extort” her. Her post concluded with inflammatory language and criticism she characterized as a reaction to what she described as “overt antisemitism.”
So guys, I am cancelling Boomtown and Maiden Voyage, the promoters have been stressing me out for weeks trying to force me to say free Palestine and threatening to cut me from the bill because I won’t say free Palestine and I’m not dealing with the threats and I’m not putting on…
— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) June 25, 2025
In response, both festivals confirmed Banks’ removal from their respective lineups. Boomtown stated: “Following her post on X, we can confirm Azealia Banks has withdrawn from the line-up. For clarity, Boomtown does not and will never dictate the personal views and beliefs of performers.” Maiden Voyage echoed the sentiment, confirming her departure and noting a replacement act would be announced.
@BoomtownFair
— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) June 26, 2025
Hi Azealia
I just had further long call with the heads of Boomtown and Maiden Voyage , the update is that both festivals feel they no longer have any choice but to write a joint statement taking you off the line-up
Both festivals are under spiralling pressure,…
Banks disputed Boomtown’s statement, calling it “lies,” and shared a screenshot of a letter from her team alleging that both festivals faced mounting pressure from boycott groups, artists, and sponsors in response to Banks’ past social media activity. The letter suggested that a public statement might help reverse the decision, but also noted potential legal implications.
The rapper, known for her outspoken views, made it clear she intends to pursue legal action. “Now comes the lawsuit,” she wrote, indicating plans to identify and potentially sue artists, sponsors, or groups she believes influenced the decision to drop her from the events.
Ok so now comes the lawsuit and in discovery id like to find out who the artists and sponsors are so i can sue them too.
— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) June 26, 2025
We’re not having this.
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