Photo: Reproduction/Instagram Johnny Hooker
The mayor of the city of Boa Vista (RR), Arthur Henrique (MDB) announced this Monday (25) the cancellation of the singer’s show Johnny Hookerwhich was scheduled to take place during the Mormaço Cultural 2023 event.
According to the mayor The selection of attractions for the event was by popular vote and the cancellation of the Johnny Hooker show sparked controversy. Conservative and religious groups in the city began to divide the singer’s old video from 2018 in which he made offensive statements about Jesus Christ.
“Jesus is a transvestite, yes, Jesus is a transsexual, yes, Jesus is a queer, yes,” Hooker said at the time.
Faced with demonstrations against the artist’s presence at the event, the mayor made his comments through a video published on his social networks. In him, The politician apologized and reiterated that respect was fundamental to him.
“Everyone knows my principles and values and as mayor I will always do the best for the people and the city of Boa Vista.” We immediately started legal negotiations and, at my request, also with Fetec [Fundação de Educação, Turismo, Esporte e Cultura de Boa Vista] “We have canceled this festival attraction,” said the mayor.
“This weekend, one of the attractions was disapproved of by many people through public demonstrations,” says Boa Vista Mayor Arthur Henrique, speaking about the show’s cancellation. @JohnnyHookerwho compared Jesus to a “transvestite” in 2018. pic.twitter.com/p20E17bcgE
The Antagonist (@o_antagonista) September 26, 2023
Johnny Hooker, in turn, took to social media to say that he and his team were devastated by the events and were considering the appropriate legal action. The singer also asked for support for the other artists who will take part in the event, such as Duda Beat, Xamã and Vanessa da Mata.
“My show is a show of respect, an appreciation of diversity, promoting the word of love and respect for all,” Hooker explained. He also classified the episode as a victory for LGBTphobiareligious extremism and conservatism in Brazil.
Photo: Reproduction/Instagram Johnny Hooker