Pro-Palestinian activists interrupt DJ Barbara Butch concert in Grenoble

A concert by French DJ Barbara Butch at the Cabaret Frappé festival in Grenoble was cut short after approximately 20 minutes due to an interruption by about 100 pro-Palestinian activists. The DJ has faced weeks of criticism for her public support of the Yadan law, which activists argue criminalizes criticism of the Israeli government.

Allan Brunon, an elected official in Grenoble representing La France Insoumise, supported the protest, stating, "It is our freedom of expression to say that we do not agree with this. But it is not Ms. Barbara Butch who is censored, it is all those who fight against the genocide in Gaza who are censored today in our country."

However, Grenoble's deputy mayor for cultural affairs, Alexis Monge, defended the concert's continuation, citing "freedom and programming." He emphasized that he did not "minimize the genocide in Gaza and Palestine in any way."

The festival's programming association, "Retour de Scène," released a statement acknowledging the reactions and sensitivity surrounding the artist's booking. They stated that deprogramming an artist based on their opinions would turn cultural organizations into ideological arbiters.

The International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (Licra) expressed its support for Barbara Butch, calling for an investigation. The organization condemned the threats and intimidation faced by artists in France due to their beliefs or opinions, urging public officials, including the mayor of Grenoble, to unequivocally denounce the censorship attempt.