Chief Keef’s Hologram Appearance Gets Censored

Chief Keef’s Hologram Appearance Gets Censored

CHICAGO — With the adult entertainment applications of virtual reality rapidly unfolding in new and untested ways, the quashing of rapper Chief Keef’s virtual concert in Chicago last weekend poses a troublesome precedent that is worthy of monitoring by digital media industry stakeholders.

The 19-year-old Chicago rapper known as Chief Keef was slated to perform at Pilsen’s Redmoon Theater in Chicago — but the theater reportedly canceled the concert after the city’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, requested the artistic clampdown over concerns that Keef’s music promotes violence, and presents “a significant public safety risk.”

Characterized by Chief Keef as a “Stop the Violence” benefit concert, the appearance was intended to raise funds for the family of an infant that was hit and killed by a car allegedly involved in the killing of fellow Chicago rapper “Capo.”

Keef was not dissuaded by Emanuel’s prohibition, however, and in lieu of his live Chicago appearance, was featured as a hologram at the Craze Fest, in Hammond, Indiana, located approximately 25 miles from The Windy City.

Keef’s virtual appearance was short-lived, however, when local police literally pulled the plug on the performance after the first song — ordering the crowd of 3,000 attendees to leave the venue.

According to Hammond police commander Pat Vicardi, the show’s promoters were warned that it would be shut down if Keef performed.

“We spoke to the promoter several times, and they assured us [Chief Keef] would not be performing,” Vicari said, drawing no distinction between an in-person appearance and the virtual presence beamed to the venue by Hologram USA from a studio in Beverly Hills, Calif.

“Shame on the mayor and police chief of Hammond for shutting down a voice that can create positive change in a community in desperate need, and for taking away money that could have gone to help the victims’ families,” Hologram USA CEO Alki David stated. “This was a legal event and there was no justification to shut it down besides your glaring disregard for the First Amendment right to free speech.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Nebraska Legislature Passes Republican's Age Verification Bill With No Votes Against It

Nebraska’s unicameral legislature has passed the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still have antitrust claims that they may pursue in the future.

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have filed a petition before the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit asking to stay its recent upholding the law because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

FSC Vows to Fight Florida Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued a statement vowing to continue fighting Florida’s age verification law, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday as part of a comprehensive bill targeting minors’ use of social media.

Kansas Republican Aims to Create New Bureaucracy to 'Investigate' Porn Websites

Republican state legislators succeeded Monday in moving forward Kansas’ version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists, despite serious concerns raised by House Democrats about the cost of establishing a new bureaucracy tasked with investigating websites for pornographic content.

SK Intertainment Launches 'Skinfluential Management' Agency, FansFuel Joint Venture

Mr. Skin/Mr. Man parent company SK Intertainment has launched new creator agency Skinfluential Management, as well as a new joint venture with Showbizz Media's creator stats and affiliate marketing platform, FansFuel.

Industry Attorney, Free Speech Champion Clyde DeWitt Passes Away at 75

Noted industry attorney Clyde DeWitt passed away on Friday in Las Vegas at 75, according to friends and colleagues.

APClips Names Avery Jane 'Creator of the Month'

APClips has named Avery Jane its Creator of the Month for March.

JustFor.fans Offers Gumroad Users Platform to Sell NSFW Artwork

JustFor.fans (JFF) is offering Gumroad users a platform to sell NSFW artwork after the latter banned adult content.

Live Cam Academy Offers Free Access to Educational Resources

Live Cam Academy is offering its educational resources for free to content creators and cam models.

Show More