Youp van ‘t Hek will not be coming to the Zwarte Cross festival. The comedian was scheduled to be interviewed and deliver a sermon for non-believers. However, Van ‘t Hek disagrees with the new investor behind the festival.
The comedian confirmed on Friday, following reports from De Gelderlander, to press agency ANP that he is canceling the performance. He made his decision due to the new American investor KKR.
The company recently acquired a British company that invests in various European festivals. KKR is controversial because it invests in weapons, fossil projects, and Israeli companies operating in the occupied West Bank.
“I don’t feel like being associated with those Trump-like types who trade in weapons and make money from the suffering in Gaza,” says Van ‘t Hek. “It keeps me up at night.”
The comedian emphasizes that his decision is separate from the organizers of the Zwarte Cross. “They are nice guys whom I fully trust. It’s not their fault.”
Follow the Money reported in mid-May that KKR had acquired the British company Superstruct Entertainment, the parent company of the Zwarte Cross. Festivals such as Mysteryland and Awakenings are also now under KKR.
The Zwarte Cross stated earlier this week that “no owner will ever determine who we are or what we stand for”. The organization distances itself from the actions of KKR, which it describes as an “evil stepmother we did not choose”.