Post Malone took the stage at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado on Thursday night (March 12) as planned — despite widespread panic over COVID-19. As a result, the platinum-selling artist is receiving a healthy dose of backlash for not canceling the performance.
“A giant fuck you to @PostMalone for holding a massive concert here in Denver during this pandemic,” one user wrote. “Should have done the right thing and postponed the event.”
After the Pepsi Center tweeted the show would go on as scheduled, Twitter berated the venue as well, noting the NBA, NCAA, NHL, MLS, MLB and other major organizations have all taken proper precautions.
“this is a terrible decision,” another user wrote. “and before anyone hits me with ‘ok boomer’ I’m 23 and the coronavirus prob wouldn’t affect me long term. but this puts those who are much more susceptible at risk. once again: I don’t know how to explain to you that you should care about other people.”
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The Pepsi Center, which can accommodate over 18,000 people, will now have to adhere to Governor of Colorado Jarad Polis’ recent ban on any event expecting 250 people or more without proper space. Polis announced the news on Friday (March 13).
“Polis is banning public gatherings of 250+ people in Colorado unless organizers implement social distancing of at least six feet of spacing between each person,” 9News anchor Kyle Clark tweeted. “Polis added he hopes faith leaders will recommend at-risk people not attend public gatherings at all, acknowledging that it will be ‘devastating’ for some people to be told that.”
Polis wouldn’t say if the decision was a direct result over the Post Malone backlash, rather he said Denver is not yet a “hot spot” for the virus. Video posted of the concert shows a packed crowd and absolutely no “social distancing” as is recommended.
Check out of some of the reactions below.
