French Festivals Drop Eagles of Death Metal After Jesse Hughes’ Comments
Two French summer music festivals have canceled Eagles of Death Metal‘s scheduled sets following controversial statements made by singer Jesse Hughes regarding the November terror attack in Paris and the Bataclan massacre. Although Hughes apologized for the comments he made in a March interview, both Le Cabaret Vert and Rock en Seine festivals announced Friday that Eagles of Death Metal would be removed from their lineups.
“Being in total disagreement with Jesse Hughes’ recent allegations given in an [interview] with an American media, both Cabaret Vert & Rock en Seine festivals have decided to cancel the bands performance,” organizers announced on Facebook Friday. “We thank you for your understanding.”
In March, Hughes insinuated in a Fox Business Network interview that some Bataclan security guards had inside knowledge that a terror attack was going to happen at the venue that night and called out sick. In another interview, Hughes blasted France’s strict gun control laws, arguing that the laws allowed the terror attack to occur.
“Did your French gun control stop a single person from dying at the Bataclan?” He said. “If anyone can answer yes, I’d like to hear it, because I don’t think so. I think the only thing that stopped it was some of the bravest men that I’ve ever seen in my life charging head-first into the face of death with their firearms.”
Soon after, Hughes apologized for his comments in a statement where he admitted he’d been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and “non-stop nightmares” since the Bataclan tragedy.
“My suggestions that anyone affiliated with the Bataclan played a role in the events of November 13 are unfounded and baseless—and I take full responsibility for them,” Hughes said in a statement. “I haven’t been myself since November 13. I realize there’s no excuse for my words, but for what it’s worth: I am sincerely sorry for having hurt, disrespected or accused anyone.”
Eagles of Death Metal were scheduled to perform August 25th at Charleville Meziere, France’s Le Cabaret Vert fest and August 26th at Rock en Seine in Paris. The band, who are currently on a North American jaunt, kick off their European tour August 9th in Katowice, Poland.