Snoop Dogg's New Zealand Concert Cancelled Amid Legal Controversy

Just three days before the highly anticipated event, Snoop Dogg's sole New Zealand concert has been abruptly cancelled. The show, originally scheduled to take place at Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre on Saturday, September 20, was set to feature the California rapper performing his greatest hits, alongside a DJ set from his turntable alter-ego, “DJ Snoopadelic.” The concert had been announced on August 28, generating significant excitement among fans across the country.

The cancellation was confirmed by 4ward Entertainment, one of the promoters behind the event, who stated in a post on Instagram that the performance was no longer possible due to circumstances beyond their control. The company issued an apology to fans, explaining that ticket holders would be automatically refunded by Eventfinda. However, refunds may take between two and five days to process.

Among the event’s line-up were New Zealand rapper Savage and up-and-coming star Revus, who were set to perform as opening acts. The R18 event had promised a night of high-energy music, but now fans are left with a disappointing and unexpected outcome.

The cancellation has sparked questions about the role of the event’s other promoter, Pato Alvarez, who had been actively promoting the concert while defending a bid for name suppression. Alvarez, who had faced 25 sexual assault and drug-related charges in the High Court at Rotorua in 2023, was ultimately found guilty of two sex charges and sentenced to 12 months’ home detention, which he completed last year.

Alvarez's interim name suppression lapsed at the time of his sentencing, leading to a two-year legal battle that culminated in the Supreme Court dismissing his appeal for permanent name suppression. The court ruled that Alvarez would not suffer undue hardship if his name were made public, a decision that has had lasting implications on his personal and professional life.

While the cancellation of Snoop Dogg’s concert is a major blow to fans, it also raises important questions about the responsibilities of event promoters and the potential impact of legal controversies on public events. As the music industry continues to grapple with issues of accountability and transparency, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal matters and the entertainment world.