Lollapalooza is an annual music festival stemming from the US that has expanded internationally over the years to countries like Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and most recently Colombia. Unfortunately, due to a last minute cancellation from the Barbadian sensation Rihanna, Lollapalooza Colombia has been cancelled.
Rihanna was set to headline the newly founded Lollapalooza Colombia with support from Disclosure, The Chainsmokers, Lana Del Rey and many more. Unfortunately Rihanna backed out of the festival with a growing concern—she fears the Zika virus. Organizers say they could not find a replacement headliner in time for the event, so they decided to cancel it. Consequence of Sound reports, “Ticket refunds are being offered…Organizers said they still hope to stage an event in Colombia in the future.”
“The organizers wish to express their deep appreciation to all the fans who supported the festival since day one, as well as the sponsors and the media partners,” a statement written on the official Lollapalooza Colombia website read. According to Time, Colombia has the second-most cases of the Zika virus after Brazil. The Zika virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and causes Guillain-Barré syndrome, a debilitating nervous system disorders and affects the brains development of unborn children.
Rihanna is currently touring the European leg of her Anti World Tour. This would have been the first shot at Lollapalooza Colombia. Rihanna has not announced her cancellation on social media and has not directly responded to any media outlets concerning the matter.
