British rapper Russ Millions has announced that he will no longer be performing at the Boomerang Festival in Tel Aviv, Israel, following controversy surrounding his scheduled appearance and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The rapper had only recently announced that he would be travelling to Tel Aviv for the festival on October 22. However, his decision quickly changed after the announcement attracted criticism online, with social media users questioning his decision to perform amid the continuing violence in the region.

During a livestream addressing the situation, Russ Millions explained that he would not have accepted the booking had he known about the killing of women and children. The rapper made his position clear, stating that he would not be going ahead with the performance.

The festival subsequently confirmed that Russ Millions would no longer be headlining the event, bringing an end to plans for his appearance.

Taking to social media to address the cancellation, the rapper shared a short statement with his followers, writing: “I won't be performing in tel aviv anymore. thank you.”

His announcement has since sparked widespread discussion, with fans and social media users debating the circumstances surrounding the booking and his decision to withdraw.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO THE CANCELLATION

Following the announcement, members of The Shade Borough (TSB) community were quick to share their thoughts, with reactions ranging from support for his decision to criticism over his initial acceptance of the booking.

One commenter questioned how the rapper could have been unaware of the situation, writing: “Bro how are you not aware about it in today’s media?!”

The response reflects the wider debate surrounding international artists performing in Israel during the ongoing conflict, with some fans arguing that musicians should consider the political and humanitarian circumstances surrounding their appearances.

WHO IS RUSS MILLIONS?

Russ Millions, whose real name is Shylo Batchelor Ashby Milwood, is one of the recognised names in the UK drill scene. Hailing from south London, the rapper rose to prominence through his energetic sound, catchy hooks and tracks that helped bring UK drill further into the mainstream.

He first gained major attention with his 2018 hit Gun Lean, which became a viral success and reached the UK Top 10, helping establish him as a prominent figure in British rap.

He continued to build his profile with tracks including Keisha & Becky, alongside Tion Wayne, and Body, another major collaboration with Tion Wayne that reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2021.

Known for his distinctive delivery and club-focused sound, Russ Millions has developed a substantial following both in the UK and internationally. His music has also helped introduce the UK drill sound to audiences beyond Britain, making overseas performances an important part of an artist's career.

However, his planned appearance in Tel Aviv has now become a talking point for reasons beyond music, placing the rapper at the centre of an online debate over the conflict and the responsibilities artists face when agreeing to perform in politically sensitive locations.

RUSS MILLIONS AND SHEMARA LONDON EXPECTING A BABY GIRL

Away from the festival controversy, Russ Millions is also preparing for an exciting new chapter in his personal life, as he and his partner, Shemara London, are expecting a baby girl.

Shemara London, a model and content creator who is also known as the sister of British singer Stefflon Don, recently shared news of her pregnancy on social media. The announcement received attention from followers as the couple prepare to welcome their first child together.

Sharing her excitement about becoming a mother, Shemara described the pregnancy as “the best gift we could ever ask for”, expressing how emotional she feels when thinking about motherhood.

The news marks a significant milestone for the couple, who have shared aspects of their relationship with followers while keeping some details of their private lives away from the spotlight.

As congratulations continue to come in over their growing family, Russ Millions is now facing conversations about both his personal life and professional decisions, with the cancellation of his Tel Aviv appearance generating fresh debate across social media.

With the festival date approaching on October 22, attention remains on the rapper's decision to withdraw and the reactions it has prompted among fans.

For now, Russ Millions will not be taking to the stage in Tel Aviv, while he and Shemara London look ahead to welcoming their baby girl.