Le Bon Air Festival pulled French DJ and producer I Hate Models from its lineup, set to take place this weekend in Marseille, France. Resident Advisor reports the decision came after the producer planned to fly to the festival by private jet (also known as a “pj”) for his set this Saturday, May 18th.
The festival posted a statement on their Instagram yesterday, announcing the decision and stating that ‘no artist has ever taken a private jet to come and play at Le Bon Air Festival.’
‘The environmental and social impact of our organisation is certain. Together, including audiences, artists, and productions, we must share those commitments.’
-Le Bon Air Festival
Le Bon Air went on to further explain the environmental impact of private jets, stating ‘this highly polluting means of transportation consumes 50 times more CO2 than a train.’ They also cited their artist contracts, which states that transport must be approved by the festival before arrival.
I Hate Models’ agent responded in a statement to Resident Advisor, stating it’s a ‘disappointing‘ decision, but that he had actually intended to cover the full cost of the private jet himself and that his request was only that the festival cover his airport transfers.
‘As I Hate Models had another gig in Germany the same night as the festival, it was agreed that we would manage transport with a buy-out. So we worked on a solution of a private jet as it was the only option that would ensure he arrived in time for his set time in Marseille.’
-I Hate Models’ Management Team
I Hate Models’ agent also said that the producer was excited for his set, so much so that he even offered to re-purchase his CO2 emissions at his own cost to make up for it.
Le Bon Air has now added MÉZIGUE to the line-up, and replaced I Hate Models’ closing set on Saturday night with a performance from KI/KI.
