Azealia Banks Withdraws From Boomtown and Maiden Voyage Over "Free Palestine" Pressure

Artist Azealia Banks pulls out of major UK festivals, citing pressure from promoters to say “Free Palestine.”

Azealia Banks Backs Out of Boomtown and Maiden Voyage Festivals

Azealia Banks has officially dropped out of two prominent UK music festivals: Boomtown Festival in Hampshire and Maiden Voyage in London. The rapper announced this surprising decision after claiming that the event promoters pressured her to publicly say “Free Palestine,” a statement she refused to make.

Image: Azealia Banks performing live.

Scheduled to perform at Boomtown in early August and Maiden Voyage a few days later, Banks took to X (formerly Twitter) on June 25, 2025, to explain her decision:

“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 a fucking hijab.”

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig)

She went on to describe the situation as extortion:

“They’re both basically trying to extort me – by insinuating that I need to say I support Palestine or they will drop me from the gig BUT I would much rather drop them and not associate with anything that has cheap group think bullshit attached to it.”

Banks expressed her frustration with the pressure, framing it as a form of bullying within the music ecosystem, and voiced her refusal to be part of what she perceives as performative activism.

Banks Criticizes Festival Politics and Social Pressures

In her follow-up posts, Azealia Banks made it clear that her objection wasn’t against Palestine itself but against what she termed “dumb ass slogans and performative bullshit.” She explained:

“And no, I’m not saying fuck actual Palestine. But fuck your dumb ass slogans and performative bullshit. Yall wanna make a stance so bad but stand for absolutely nothing.”

Banks criticized the festival culture and media narratives for oversimplifying complex issues and accused some people of using these topics to push personal or political agendas. She said:

“That war has been going on in the background for fucking decades. Way before anyone alive today was born. And all of a sudden yall are throwing around words like genocide and Zionist not even knowing the meaning of those words. While you drive around in ur Teslas and leave comments from your iPhones all built off the backs and the blood of children working in mines from dusk til dawn.”

She also emphasized:

“There is zero ethical consumption under capitalism. EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING.”

Boomtown Festival Responds to Cancellation

Following Banks’ announcement, Boomtown Festival issued a statement confirming her withdrawal:

“Following her post on X in the early hours of this morning, we can confirm that Azealia Banks has withdrawn from the lineup and will no longer be performing at Boomtown Festival. For clarity, Boomtown does not and will never dictate the personal views and beliefs of performers.”

As of now, the organizers of Maiden Voyage have not publicly commented on Banks’ decision.

The Broader Context: Artists and Political Statements at Festivals

The topic of artists making political statements, especially about Palestine, has been a major theme in recent festival seasons. Many artists have taken a public stand this year, such as Fontaines D.C., IDLES, Sam Fender, Public Enemy, Peaches, and Kid Cudi, who have all voiced support for a free Palestine during performances or interviews.

Image: Festival-goers showing solidarity during live performances.

Similarly, Irish hip-hop group Kneecap used their Coachella set to highlight the issue but later faced legal scrutiny related to imagery shown during their performance. Despite controversy, they have consistently denied support for violent groups and have condemned violence.

Azealia Banks’ History of Controversy

This is not the first time Banks has stirred public debate. In recent months, she has made headlines for her outspoken opinions, including:

• Criticizing rapper Doechii's success and accusing it of being a “DEI hire.”
• Body-shaming singer Bebe Rexha at the Met Gala, which coincided with Rexha revealing her pregnancy loss.
• Sending a cease and desist letter to Matty Healy of The 1975, demanding $1 million in damages for alleged threats during an online dispute.

Banks’ unpredictability as an artist and public figure continues to spark strong reactions in the music and social media worlds.

What’s Next for Azealia Banks?

Despite the festival pullouts, Banks promises to focus on her craft and hinted at new music on the horizon:

“It’s time for a new AB record.”

Fans can expect fresh material from her, signaling that her career’s next chapter is already underway.

Final Thoughts: When Art Meets Activism

The intersection of music, politics, and personal beliefs often creates tension—especially in live festival settings where audiences expect entertainment but many artists view their platform as a space for activism.

Are promoters justified in requesting artists to make political statements? Or should performers have full freedom to express—or decline to express—their political views?

FAQs

• Why did Azealia Banks pull out of Boomtown and Maiden Voyage?
  She claimed promoters pressured her to say “Free Palestine” and threatened to remove her from the lineup if she refused.
• Did Banks clarify her stance on Palestine?
  Yes, she emphasized that she doesn’t oppose Palestine itself but resents being forced into slogans and performative activism.
• How did Boomtown Festival respond to her withdrawal?
  Boomtown confirmed Banks’ withdrawal, stating they never dictate performers’ personal views.
• Have other artists supported “Free Palestine” at festivals?
  Many artists like Fontaines D.C., IDLES, and Sam Fender have publicly expressed support for Palestine during their festival performances.
• What are Banks’ plans after pulling out of the festivals?
  She plans to focus on making new music and hinted at releasing a new album soon.

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