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Berlin Bar Cancels DJ After 'Zionist' Complaints, Issues Apology

The bar cites a rushed review of complaints as the reason for canceling, later apologizing for its wording.

Overview

  • DJ Phonatic said the newly opened Ciao Ciao Bar scrapped his booking one day before the set after receiving messages objecting to a 'Zionist' performing and citing fears of a bad reputation.
  • The bar told Tagesspiegel the DJ had been a short‑notice replacement, said it received many critical messages, and canceled to assess the allegations, offering him a personal conversation.
  • In a later Instagram statement, the venue rejected antisemitism, racism and homophobia, apologized for poor communication, and indicated a future booking could follow a clarifying talk.
  • The DJ framed the cancellation as part of a wider pattern since October 7, alleging targeted complaints against artists with Israeli or Jewish backgrounds or those criticizing Israel‑hostility.
  • Former SPD politician Michael Roth called the case 'miserable antisemitism' on X, while the number and identities behind the complaints remain unverified.