Philadelphia’s Made In America festival, originally slated to take place at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 2 and 3, has been regrettably canceled for this year. Co-founded by Jay-Z in 2012, the festival’s organizers attributed the cancellation to “severe circumstances outside production control,” though specific details surrounding these challenges remain undisclosed.
In a statement shared across the festival’s social media platforms, Made In America organizers expressed, “Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place. This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation.”
Renowned for delivering exceptional experiences to music enthusiasts and concertgoers, the festival team conveyed their dedication to upholding the event’s prestigious reputation. The statement continued, “Made In America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concertgoers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience. We look forward to returning to Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the great city of Philadelphia in 2025. All ticket holders will be refunded at original point of purchase.”
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, expressed his disappointment in a tweet, “I’m disappointed to hear that the 2023 [Made in America festival] will not be taking place,” he wrote. “We’re grateful to the partners and festival goers who have contributed to this event’s incredible success over the years, and we look forward to bringing MIA back to the Parkway next year.”
Scheduled to feature headlining performances by SZA and Lizzo, Made in America 2023 was poised to showcase an array of talent. The anticipated lineup included names like Miguel, Lil Yachty, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, and Doechii.
Coinciding with the festival’s cancellation, Lizzo finds herself embroiled in controversy following a lawsuit filed by three of her former dancers. The lawsuit alleges sexual and racial harassment, weight-shaming and other transgressions leading to a hostile workplace environment.
Lizzo responded to the claims on her social media, stating, “These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing… My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned.” While she termed the allegations as “sensationalized” and “as unbelievable as they sound,” the incident has certainly cast a shadow over her planned appearance at Made In America 2023, which would have marked her first major performance following the allegations. While neither the festival nor Lizzo have directly linked the lawsuit to the event’s cancellation, the unfolding situation leaves questions lingering in the air.
See Made In America’s full statement canceling the event below.