Jay-Z’s annual Made in America musical festival, which was set to be headlined by Lizzo and SZA, has unfortunately been canceled this year. The festival made the announcement on its social media platforms, stating that due to severe circumstances beyond their control, the 2023 Made in America festival will no longer be taking place. The decision was not made lightly and was the result of immense deliberation.
While the festival did not provide details on the reason for the cancellation, it comes just a week after three former tour dancers of Lizzo filed a lawsuit against her and employees of Big Grrrl Big Touring Inc. The dancers accuse the singer and her team of creating a hostile work environment that included instances of sexual harassment. The lawsuit also alleges that Lizzo interrogated the dancers about their weight and pressured them to engage in sexually explicit acts at sex shows.
Following the allegations, Lizzo responded on Instagram, expressing her disappointment and frustration. She firmly denied the claims, stating that her work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned, and her character criticized. While she usually chooses not to respond to false allegations, she felt compelled to address these outrageous accusations.
The two-day music festival was originally scheduled to take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on September 2 and 3. In addition to Lizzo and SZA, the lineup included artists such as Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Lera, Latto, Lil Yachty, and more.
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The festival organizers emphasized their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, acknowledging the legacy of Made in America. They expressed their hope to return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city of Philadelphia in 2024. They also assured ticket holders that they will be refunded at their original point of purchase.
The cancellation of the festival has disappointed many fans who were eagerly anticipating the performances of Lizzo, SZA, and the other talented artists on the lineup. Made in America has become a highly anticipated annual event, attracting music lovers from all over the country.
This cancellation comes as a blow to the music industry, which has already been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many artists and festivals had to cancel or postpone their events in 2020 and early 2021 due to health and safety concerns. As the industry slowly recovers, the cancellation of Made in America adds to the challenges faced by musicians and event organizers.
However, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of artists, staff, and attendees. If there were indeed severe circumstances that led to the cancellation, it is understandable that the festival organizers had to make this difficult decision. The allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment should be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
In recent years, the music industry has been shining a light on issues of harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power. Artists are speaking out against mistreatment and demanding change. It is important for the industry to address these issues head-on and create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
As the festival refunds ticket holders and looks forward to its return in 2024, it is crucial for the industry to reflect on these incidents and take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Concerts and festivals should be spaces where artists and fans can come together to enjoy music and celebrate, free from harassment or mistreatment.
The cancellation of Made in America serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of artists and industry professionals. It is an opportunity for the industry to reevaluate its practices, implement stronger policies against harassment, and provide support systems for those who have been affected.
While the cancellation may disappoint fans, it is essential to prioritize the larger issue at hand: creating an inclusive and safe environment within the music industry. By addressing these challenges and working towards positive change, the industry can continue to thrive and provide exceptional experiences for music lovers around the world.
