©Anthony DELANOIX via Unsplash
The performance by Dutch singer Sophie Straat at the Ghent Festivities left a bitter aftertaste after the 31-year-old Amsterdam native began shouting discriminatory slogans. Many Belgians took issue with the remarks and filed complaints with Unia, the independent Belgian interfederal public institution that combats discrimination and promotes equality.
Unia investigated the matter and found no violation of Belgian anti-discrimination law in Sophie Straat’s remarks at the Ghent Festivities. The equal opportunities center has since received nearly 200 reports, but states that there is no evidence that white men were actually excluded from the concert.
During her performance at Boomtown on Monday, the Dutch singer called on “all white men” to stand in the back so that women, queer people, and people of color could take their places at the front of the mosh pit. That call immediately sparked numerous reactions and reports to Unia.
Discriminatory remarks
According to the center, context is key. Unia points out that the statement was part of an artistic performance with a social and political message about inequality. Since there is no evidence that white men were actually barred or prevented from participating, Unia sees no basis for further action. Unia does emphasize, however, that the words used refer to protected characteristics, such as gender and skin color, and that the assessment must therefore be conducted carefully. At the same time, the center states that artistic and political expressions are broadly protected by freedom of speech, even when they are provocative or perceived as offensive. When there is an actual call for discrimination, exclusion, or hatred, action can be taken against it. In this case, the center views the call as a symbolic act in an artistic context, not as actual exclusion.
Singer crossed the line before
The statement also caused a stir elsewhere. In the Netherlands, several complaints and reports have been filed against the 31-year-old singer following a similar remark during a previous performance. Unia itself says that, based on the current information, it sees no reason to take further action.
©Anthony DELANOIX via Unsplash - illustrative image