On August 25, the organisers of the Music Fest with Coca-Cola announced the cancellation of the performance of Iranian-Dutch artist Sevdaliza, citing public “opinions and concerns” as the reason for their decision. At the same time, the comments section under the announcement on social media was blocked, excluding any possibility of open discussion.
What was presented as “public opinions and concerns” was in fact expressed through hate speech by a number of individuals, filled with racist, xenophobic, and sexist remarks targeting both the content of the artist’s work and her ethnic origin. Instead of confronting such hostility, the organisers chose to restrict the artist’s voice, thereby reinforcing the wave of discrimination and hate speech.
We remain convinced that art is a fundamental medium for critical thought, free expression, and the dissemination of new ideas. When culture and cultural figures become targets on the basis of religion, gender, culture, ethnicity, or other forms of belonging, society is deprived of essential opportunities for the development of cultural life, the strengthening of critical thinking, and intercultural exchange, while at the same time limiting the public’s right to benefit from cultural diversity.
Restricting an artist and their art under the dictate of hate speech cannot be considered a neutral decision; it legitimises intolerance and places democratic values at risk.
The Cultural & Social Narratives Laboratory expresses deep concern regarding this incident. We remain committed to the position and to the principle that art must not be targeted and censored by hate speech and intolerance.
CSN Lab
26.08.2025