Rapper, singer-songwriter, Tyler, The Creator has cancelled his previously planned September Australian tour dates due to protests from the feminist group entitled Collective Shout. The group has been riding the artist for years about Tyler’s “song’s advocating rape and extreme violence against women.” All ticket holders will be offered full refunds. Tyler released a statement via Facebook through Frontier Touring’s page saying “We would much rather come to Australia when it isn’t surrounded in controversy. I love my fans there and hopefully I’ll be back soon. Don’t do drugs.”
Although it has been speculated that low-ticket sales are the real reason behind the cancellations, last month Tyler claimed that his visa was denied and sarcastically offered his congratulations to Coralie Alison, Collective Shout’s Direction of Operations. This turned out to be untrue but with or without the group’s involvement, Tyler’s reputation seems to be tarnished.
From releasing a new video for his singles “Death camp” and “Fucking Young” to performing at Emo’s in April earlier this year, Tyler has not let the feuding get in the way of his work. Like any troubled artist would, Tyler channeled his issues into his music and addresses the controversy in his hit collaboration “Smuckers” featuring Kanye West and Lil Wayne. Luckily, the rapper is still scheduled to for his U.S. tour alongside ASAP Rocky this fall.