Go backstage with The Music and receive FREE:

  • Exclusive members-only editorial, charts
  • Our subscriber-only newsletter
  • Members only competitions to win tickets, experiences and more
  • Access to our street press archives
  • First access to our exclusive limited edition vinyl variants

Thank you for being a part of our community! Enter your email address as verification and you'll be taken backstage right away.

Please ensure that you provide a valid email address.

Action Bronson Removed From Canadian Music Fest Following Online Petition

More than 40,000 sign the petition.

More Action Bronson Action Bronson Profile

He may be one of the biggest rappers going right now, but it seems not everyone is a fan of Action Bronson.

The 31-year-old artist has been removed from the lineup of Toronto's North By Northeast festival following protests against him and his song lyrics.

According to NME, over 40,000 people signed an online petition organised by Erica Shiner who claims that Action Bronson "glorifies gang-raping and murdering women."

His 2011 song, Consensual Rape was cited as the main example by those who signed, which include the lyrics: "Then dig your shorty out cuz I geeked her up on molly" and "If seven dudes are in the room then she's pleasing them."

The managing director of the Canadian music festival, Sarah Peel confirmed that Action Bronson had been removed from the bill saying: " We at Northby Northeast (NXNE) are very proud of our 20 plus years relationship with the people of the City of Toronto." 

"And for almost 10 years we've shared Yonge-Dundas Square with you to present free, all ages shows open to the public. A significant number of Torontonians have indicated their desire to have Action Bronson not perform at the Square. As annual guests in this space we feel we must accede to the strong wishes of the community and honour their input."

Join 'Backstage Pass', our FREE members program for music fans

Meanwhile, Billboard have reported that Action Bronson could still perform in Toronto this month, on a privately owned stage.