Intense Criticism Towards Ticketmaster Increases Following their Refusal to Cancel Farrakhan's Performance Booking
In the heart of Chicago, Louis Farrakhan gave the keynote address at the Nation of Islam's Saviours' Day conference, an event that has raised concerns and criticism due to Farrakhan's long-standing history of antisemitic remarks.
Ticketmaster, the popular ticketing platform, has found itself in the midst of a controversy, seemingly ignoring requests to deplatform tickets for Farrakhan's February 26 speech. Jewish groups, including The Algemeiner, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center have criticised Ticketmaster for allowing the sale of tickets for the event.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that Farrakhan's speech contained antisemitic commentary, accusing Jews of controlling world governments, media, and financial institutions. The ADL Midwest Regional Director, David Goldenberg, has been urging the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which has a public-private partnership with Wintrust Arena, where the Farrakhan event was held, to condemn the speech.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center stated that Farrakhan's four decades of antisemitic remarks have had a harmful impact on society. He called on Americans to reject Farrakhan's hate and strengthen relationships for the betterment of all Americans.
The Washington Free Beacon reported that while most members of Congress have been silent on the issue, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke out against Ticketmaster's decision. Representative McMorris Rodgers criticised Ticketmaster for choosing to profit off of Farrakhan's history of hatred and violent threats of genocide against the Jewish people.
A letter urging Ticketmaster to reconsider allowing tickets for the event was sent to Ticketmaster CEO Michael Rapino by the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding (CCFP), signed by more than 120 entertainment industry leaders. The CCFP tweeted that Ticketmaster knowingly enabled Farrakhan's dangerous antisemitic hate.
Stop Antisemitism stated that Ticketmaster has lost its moral compass by profiting off Farrakhan's hate. ADL Midwest has shared excerpts from Farrakhan's remarks with board members and public officials to express concern about his hate speech.
Despite the mounting criticism, Ticketmaster did not respond to the Journal's requests for comment. It is concerning for many, including Senator Blackburn, that Ticketmaster is using its platform to elevate and promote a well-known antisemite. Rabbi Cooper emphasised the need for Americans to stand against Farrakhan's hate and work towards a more inclusive society.
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