Banks was due to play at both Boomtown in Hampshire and London’s Maiden Voyage in early August. After a twitter tirade yesterday (June 25), it looks like she’s pulled out of both performances.

Writing on X/Twitter, Banks wrote: “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 f***ing hijab.”

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…

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) June 25, 2025

“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 bulls**t attached to it.”

“If they want to allow some no-name dj’s to bully them into desecrating the nature of this music ecosystem and make ME the issue – whilst there being absolutely no ethical consumption under capitalism. Then that’s fine.”

“More thinly veiled racism And overt antisemitism from the f***ing gays for Hamas,” she concluded, before adding signing off: “#F***PALESTINE”.

Following her posts, Boomtown Festival have issued a statement to The Standard, saying: “Following her post on X in the early hours of this morning, we can confirm that Azealia Banks has withdrawn from the lineup and will no longer be performing at Boomtown Festival.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.”

On both festivals Instagram accounts, they shared posts confirming the removal of Banks, while promising that a replacement artist would be announced shortly.

It seems that controversy is never far from Banks. She’s well known for her outspoken opinions and celebrity beefs. Earlier in the year, the ‘212’ rapper made headlines for criticising the Glastonbury 2025 line-up, calling out artists like Charli XCX and The 1975 – last year, she was embroiled in a twitter beef with the band’s frontman, Matty Healy, with the two musicians engaged in a bitter back-and-forth. You can read MXDWN’s coverage on that here.

Banks, known for her enticing lyrical flow and club-worthy anthems, has always been outspoken when it comes to voicing her opinion on the music industry and acts within it. This time, Glastonbury’s lineup was in the firing line when the singer took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam a few names on the bill, even going to the extent to provide her own worthy choices for the event.

In what world are the 1975 billed higher than Franz Ferdinand & The libertines in England? In what world is charli xcx billed higher than the Deftones?? billed higher than Pink Pantheress? In the UK???? Where is FLO? WHY WOULD THEY BOOK THE KAISER CHIEFS AND NOT BOOK *KEANE* or… https://t.co/XKli7okIVC

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) March 15, 2025

The iconic Somerset five-day festival will welcome the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, RAYE, Loyle Carner, Biffy Clyro and more onto their stages this year. Although many artists on the lineup remained unscathed, one act definitely didn’t: Friday night headliners and Alt-Indie group, The 1975.

Beginning her online rant, the ‘Liquorice’ artist shared: “In what world are the 1975 billed higher than Franz Ferdinand & The Libertines in England?”

Banks’ attention to the 1975’s headline slot comes at no surprise given a heated exchange between Banks and 1975 frontman, Matty Healy back in December of last year. The singer made comments on Charli xcx (1975 drummer, George Daniel’s fiancé) and Gabbriette (Matty’s fiancé) which saw the 1975 frontman run to their defence; “allegedly making violent threats and derogatory comments about Banks and her physical appearance” in retaliation. The online spat caused Healy to deactivate his X account and subsequently caused Banks to result to legal action against the ‘Somebody Else’ singer.

In a separate post, Banks reiterated her dislike for Healy, stating: “Matty Healy is really just SO F***ING UGLY and that band as a unit has zero aesthetic.”

High key, every mother fucker who speaks ill of me unwarranted ultimately suffers the same fate lol. Matt Healy is really just SO FUCKING UGLY and that band as a unit has zero aesthetic. What is it with the uk that yall love yall an ugly crackhead? Pete Doherty now this? What is… https://t.co/vioTDl5QcJ

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) March 15, 2025

The ‘Luxury’ singer continued with her thoughts: “In what would is charli xcx billed higher than the Deftones?? Billed higher than Pink Pantheress? In the UK????”

In her rant Banks provided suggestions with some acts that would’ve been in her personal lineup. The 33-year-old put a case forward for the following acts: Skunk Anansie, Central Cee (following the success of his debut LP), Shygirl, Basement Jaxx, Dido and MIKA. She even expressed some bewilderment towards Rod Stewart’s legend slot, expressing her desire for a (very unlikely) Smiths reunion with Morrissey and Johnny Marr.

Concluding: “Glastonbury is kinda cooked,” it seems Glastonbury have some making up to do with Banks especially within their second instalment of acts set to be announced soon.

Azealia Banks and Matty Healy engage in heated exchange on Twitter/X. pic.twitter.com/ZLf7DjOOr9

— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 4, 2024

Azealia Banks is an American rapper and singer known for her outspoken personality and controversial public statements, as well as hits like ‘212‘. She has often been involved in public disputes with other artists. Matty Healy is the lead singer of The 1975, an English band known for its genre-blending music and cultural commentary. A standout example is ‘Love It If We Made It‘ from their 2018 album ‘A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships‘. The song is a chaotic and impassioned reflection on contemporary society, capturing themes such as political unrest, social media culture, celebrity worship, and environmental degradation.  Healy has been candid about his personal struggles and is no stranger to controversy, often using social media to voice his opinions. The conflict intensified when Healy allegedly made violent threats and derogatory comments about Banks and her physical appearance. Banks retaliated with personal insults about Healy and his fiancée, Gabbriette Bechtel.

Azealia Banks responds to Matty Healy’s apology. pic.twitter.com/wySlQXf7d0 — Pop Base (@PopBase) December 4, 2024

This online spat culminated in Banks issuing a cease-and-desist letter demanding a public apology and $1 million in damages, alleging defamation and threats of violence. In the letter, Banks claimed that Healy’s statements, including threats to “slap” her, were harmful and demanded immediate cessation of defamatory remarks. Social media platforms flagged and removed some of Healy’s posts, citing policy violations. Healy apologized for suggesting violence but stood by his defense of his friends​. He has since deactivated his X account.

A rat, bitch, physical threats. Now matt healy is getting sued and Charli xcx is still botched now fucking what? pic.twitter.com/gkiGAI44hj

— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) December 4, 2024

Matty Healy has deactivated his X account multiple times in the past, often following controversies or backlash over his statements. For example, in September 2023, he deactivated his account after criticism from Lucy Dacus over an offensive tweet. He has also faced backlash for remarks made about various topics, including sensitive social and cultural issues, prompting him to step away from the platform temporarily or permanently during heated moments​.

Healy has faced significant controversy for comments and actions many view as offensive toward black women and other marginalized groups, which Azealia Banks also drew attention to. One of the most notable incidents involved a February 2023 episode of ‘The Adam Friedland Show‘ podcast. During this appearance, Healy joined in mocking rapper Ice Spice with racially charged remarks, referring to her as an “Inuit Spice Girl” and a “chubby Chinese lady” while laughing at offensive impressions of Asian accents.

This case highlights how social media disputes among celebrities can quickly escalate into legal battles, with significant reputational and financial stakes​.

The 52-year-old actor held a party in a Beverly Hills hotel room, and there was a clash after Azealia Banks was rude about Crowe’s music selection, calling him and another party goer “boring white men”, leading to claims that the rapper accused him of choking her, spitting at her, calling her n****r and throwing her out.+

According to the Telegraph, the American rapper said “I think he’s a racist, misogynist pig, this is a stain on me. My femininity feels stained. I feel stained as a woman, I feel mishandled, I feel mistreated, I feel dirty. I feel very f—— low.”

However, Crowe has denied that he was violent or used racist behaviour at the party. One source, close to Crowe said that Banks was “abrasive, shocking, rude, offensive, abusive and erratic.” The source told the Sun that Banks “used the N-word repeatedly and hurled that insult at others repeatedly. Russell never used that word.”

Banks is said to have then raised a glass, threatening to throw it, leading Crowe to grab her in a “bear hug” and remove her from the suite. Security guards then came to remove her from the hotel grounds.

The Daily Mail has reported that an insider from the party has claimed that the rappers story has ‘changed dramatically’ since Sunday, adding that of the ten people who were in the room, nine agreed on what happened. “There were ten people present at the time this incident occurred. They have all provided statements. All of their statements are completely inconsistent with Ms. Banks.

“Russell behaved like a hero. He acted in defense of his guests and removed her from his suite.” The source claimed her ‘vile and offensive behavior’ was triggered by her finding it ‘corny’ that everyone was listening to music which she apparently didn’t like.

UPDATE:

It’s been reported that Banks is no longer signing with RZA’s record label, due to the fact that RZA wouldn’t back her up.

Amongst highly offensive racist words including the N-word and the P-word – language I’d rather not even publish – Banks called Malik a “faggot” and a “dick rider”.

On top of this she added the school playground-like comment:

“your mother is a dirty refugee who won’t be granted asylum.”

A statement commented on Banks’ withdrawal from the festival she was to headline:

“We have decided to cancel Azealia Banks’ headline appearance at Rinse | Born & Bred Festival.

Rinse | Born & Bred is a celebration of rave culture and has been created for EVERYONE. We celebrate inclusivity and equality.”

Azealia Banks offered apologies in her own way:

My sincerest apologies!!!!!
“But you know Mama Puma always goes in for the Kill. And NEVER backs down.”
“Everyone loves to gang up on Azealia and be funny and shady and get mad when I say something truly fucked up.”

A self-confessed bisexual, Banks is quick to defend her homophobic slurs, stating:

“Why do gay men think everything I post about being gay is about them?! GIRLS ARE GAY TOO. I LIKE VAGINAS.”

The Rinse | Born & Bred Festival is described on their website as:

“a weekend-long celebration of the present and future sounds of London. Stretching beyond its home city to celebrate the truly global reach of London’s influence, this year’s festival brings together pioneers and rising young artists alike, all inspired by the capital’s collisions of rave-inspired dance music and soundsystem culture – from grime, hip-hop and drum ’n’ bass to house, techno, garage and beyond.”

So quite rightly, a festival which celebrates the multiculturalism of London with its “global reach” has no place for homophobic and racist comments.

The Rise | Born & Bred Festival features the below acts on its Main Stage:
SATURDAY 4/6

ILOVEMAKONNEN
Wiley + Slimzee
Newham Generals + J Cush
Bugzy Malone
The Square
Benga
Kahn + Neek
Ray BLK
Marcus Nasty
Sam Supplier

SUNDAY 5/6

Novelist
Crazy Cousinz
Kyla
Murlo
Josey Rebelle
Lily Mercer
The Age of Luna