Nancy mayor Mathieu Klein posted a message on Facebook on Wednesday without naming singer Marilyn Manson, instead referring readers to a Télérama article published on 30 October, titled "Even accused of rape, singer Marilyn Manson is programmed at Nancy's Heavy Weekend Festival." He said authorities respect the presumption of innocence in ongoing legal proceedings, but that given the pending accusations and upcoming trials, the city remains opposed to Manson's appearance.
"The judicial situation of the invited artists, marked by multiple convictions that have already led to recent tour cancellations, ongoing legal proceedings, and numerous, consistent reports of sexist and sexual violence and discriminatory positions, cannot leave us without a response", Klein wrote.
The festival takes place from 4 to 6 June 2027 at the Zénith de Nancy. Three acts have been announced so far: Marilyn Manson, German metal band Helloween and American group Falling in Reverse. Organisers plan to reveal nine more in the coming weeks.
Concerns extend beyond Manson. According to Télérama, Ronnie Radke, lead singer of Falling in Reverse, has "been convicted on several occasions."
A meeting between representatives of the Greater Nancy metropolitan authority and the event organiser is scheduled for next week to discuss the lineup.
"These artists are not welcome in Nancy," Klein said, adding that, depending on the outcome, the metropolitan authority would use all available legal and administrative means.
Gérard Drouot Productions, the company organising the festival, has not responded to requests for comment from AFP.
This will be the festival's fourth edition. Previous editions have featured Scorpions, Slipknot, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper and Deep Purple.
