Xavier Naidoo must be allowed to perform in Rostock

Rostock Mayor Klaus Roh-Madsen (Independent) has appealed against citizens’ decision not to allow a concert by controversial singer Xavier Naidoo in August at Rostock’s Town Hall. At their last session on May 20, the parliamentarians were of the opinion that Naidoo was close to the Reich citizens and the Qunun movement and that he was fomenting racial resentment. As the city announced Wednesday, Madsen joined legal concerns previously expressed by the city administration over the citizenship decision. Neither Naidoo nor his management was available for comment on Wednesday.

The city has declared that public institutions such as Town Hall are obligated to uphold the principle of equality. No organizer or artist should be excluded because the proprietor of the facility does not share their religious or political views. The administration also argued that the rejection threatened the city’s image. There are concerns about the implications for similar cases in the future.

According to the city, Madsen’s interception has a suspensive effect. Citizenship will consider the case again at its next meeting. In the event that the municipal council adheres to its opinion, the case can be submitted to the Ministry of Interior as a local authority.

Naidoo has repeatedly appeared in the past regarding conspiracy myths, and has also made controversial statements about the coronavirus pandemic. After he had to leave the jury for the RTL “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” program in March 2020, he vehemently rejected allegations of racism.