Rihanna Drops Out of Lollapalooza Colombia Over Zika Virus Concerns
The show won’t go on without Rihanna.
Lollapalooza Colombia has been canceled after the singer pulled out due to concerns regarding the Zika virus. Subsequently, organizers decided to call off the inaugural festival in the country because they didn’t have time to find a headlining replacement, according to Consequence of Sound.
Before the cancelation, the fest was set to take place Sept. 17-18 in Bogota with performances by Anderson .Paak, Lana Del Rey, The Chainsmokers, and more.
https://twitter.com/LollapaloozaCO/status/748925251698958336
Lolla started as an event in Chicago, but has since expanded to other countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The festival in Berlin is still on for Sept. 10-11.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Zika virus can cause birth defects, fever, rashes, pain, and red eyes. It primarily spreads through bites from infected mosquitos. It can also be transmitted sexually or through pregnancy.
Concerns around the Zika virus are heightened these days, particularly in parts of South America. In February, the World Health Organization called Zika a public health emergency of international concern as the virus continues to spread.
Like Rihanna, many have voiced concerns regarding the virus. In February, Hope Solo, the superstar goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, said “no athlete competing in [the] Rio [Olympics] should be faced with this dilemma.” She’ll “begrudgingly” participate in the games, but other athletes have backed out completely.
Rihanna is currently on the “ANTI World Tour.” She’ll be spending her Fourth of July performing in Stockholm, Sweden before continuing the European leg through Aug. 21.
Lollapalooza hasn’t ruled out potential future festivals in Colombia.