Snoop Dogg Cancels New Zealand Concert After Promoter’s Sexual Assault Conviction
Snoop Dogg has pulled out of his highly-anticipated New Zealand concert just three days before he was set to perform — and the reason behind the sudden cancellation has stunned fans.
The rap superstar was scheduled to take the stage Saturday at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland. But on Wednesday, promoter 4ward Entertainment announced the show was off, citing only “circumstances beyond our control” and adding, “Our goal was to deliver a first-class, New Zealand-first show and we are saddened this is no longer possible.”
Those “circumstances” have now come to light. According to multiple outlets, promoter Pato Alvarez — the man behind the event — was recently identified as the “entertainment industry figure” who faced dozens of sexual assault allegations. Alvarez was charged with 25 offenses involving nine women. Earlier this year, he was convicted on two counts, including indecent assault and attempted unlawful sexual connection against his children’s babysitter.
For months, Alvarez fought to keep his identity hidden, but last week New Zealand’s Supreme Court lifted the suppression order, making his name public. Once news broke, women in the local music community began calling for boycotts of any shows linked to him.
The fallout was swift. Just last week, Alvarez had bragged to Stuff that he was responsible for bringing Snoop to town, saying, “Snoop Dogg’s team contacted us directly, wanting to stop in New Zealand for a special performance on his way to Australia.” But after public outrage and mounting pressure, Snoop’s team and organizers pulled the plug.
This isn’t Alvarez’s first controversy. He was also connected to the canceled Juicy Festival, which collapsed after promoters failed to secure a liquor license.
While Kiwi fans are understandably disappointed to miss out on seeing Snoop live, many have voiced support for the decision online, saying no concert is worth ignoring such serious allegations.
Snoop’s team has yet to comment publicly on the matter, but one thing’s clear — with Alvarez’s conviction now in the spotlight, the show simply couldn’t go on.
