Spanish singer Omar Montes will not perform at Madrid Pride (MADO), after a video showing him using a homophobic slur during a street altercation resurfaced online days before the event.
The video
The clip, recorded some time ago, spread rapidly on social media in the run-up to Pride. Many users and LGBTI activists criticised the decision to include him in the line-up for one of the concerts in Plaza de España, arguing that an event celebrating diversity and respect should not feature an artist who had used such language. Calls for his removal spread quickly.
Two versions
The accounts of what happened differ:
- Montes’s camp says the decision was taken unilaterally by the organisers, who wanted to avoid criticism and possible incidents during the concert.
- The organisers describe it as a communication error, saying that his participation had never been formally confirmed because of scheduling problems, and that the decision was not based on the video.
Both sides agree that the singer was going to perform without charging a fee.
A difficult moment
The episode comes at a complicated time for the singer, who has also been in the headlines over personal and legal disputes, and who has asked the media to respect his family’s privacy.
Online accountability
The case is the latest example of how old videos and comments can resurface and affect artists’ careers in the age of social media. Supporters of this kind of scrutiny argue that public figures should be held to account for discriminatory language, especially when taking part in events that celebrate a community they have insulted. Others argue that people should be given the chance to apologise and show that they have changed, and that past mistakes should be weighed against present behaviour.
Madrid Pride
MADO is one of the largest Pride celebrations in Europe, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the centre of Madrid every year for concerts, events and the state Pride march. Its line-up is closely watched, and organisers face growing pressure to ensure that the artists they invite reflect the values of the event.
