Snoop Dogg has pulled the plug on his upcoming New Zealand concert just three days before showtime — after the event’s promoter was revealed to have been convicted of sexually assaulting his children’s babysitter.
The hip-hop legend was set to perform at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, this Saturday. But on Wednesday, promoter 4ward Entertainment abruptly announced the cancellation, citing “circumstances beyond” its control.
“Our goal was to deliver a first-class, New Zealand-first show and we are saddened this is no longer possible,” the company said in a statement.
The shocking cancellation comes days after local promoter Pato Alvarez was unmasked as the unnamed “entertainment industry figure” accused of sexually assaulting multiple women. According to Stuff, Alvarez faced 25 charges involving nine women. He was found guilty last year of indecent assault and attempted unlawful sexual connection involving his babysitter, a conviction that has only recently come to light.
Alvarez had fought to keep his identity suppressed, but New Zealand’s Supreme Court ruled against him last week. Once his name became public, women’s groups began calling on fans to boycott events he was tied to.
In fact, Alvarez himself boasted just last week that he had secured Snoop’s Auckland gig, telling Stuff, “Snoop Dogg’s team contacted us directly, wanting to stop in New Zealand for a special performance on his way to Australia.”
The disgraced promoter was also linked to the failed Juicy Festival, which was canceled earlier this year after organizers couldn’t secure a liquor license.
