A scheduled concert by Justin Timberlake in Tbilisi, Georgia, on July 23 has sparked significant local backlash, leading to the launch of an online petition urging the pop star to condemn what many view as the Georgian government’s increasing authoritarianism.
The singer, known for hits like “Cry Me a River,” is set to perform at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena as part of a state-funded initiative aimed at attracting international artists to the country. However, a group of self-identified fans has begun a petition on Change.org, calling on Timberlake to criticize the repression and human rights violations currently taking place in Georgia, and to meet with local activists prior to his concert.
The petition focuses on various issues, including the jailing of journalists, opposition leaders, and a crackdown on protests, indicating that the concert has been co-opted by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, as a means to project a facade of openness and distract from ongoing governmental abuses. Organizer Davit Jintcharadze noted that the petition is intended not to provoke Timberlake into canceling his event but to raise awareness about the severe political climate in Georgia.
The initiative, which had quickly garnered over 2,000 signatures, reflects a growing discontent regarding the country’s leadership. Support has also surfaced from local musicians, such as the band Loudspeakers, who recently expressed optimism that Timberlake could use his platform to advocate for the freedom and democratic future of Georgia.
This phenomenon echoes a previous incident where a high-profile act, Massive Attack, canceled their performance in Georgia in protest of human rights violations, highlighting the tension between cultural events and political circumstances in the region.
As the concert date approaches, the hope remains that Justin Timberlake could make a meaningful statement that aligns with the aspirations of the Georgian people, potentially lending his voice as an ally in the fight for democracy. This situation not only showcases the intersection of music and activism but also points to the importance of artists considering the broader implications of their engagements in politically sensitive environments.