The heavy metal band Gwar stirred controversy during their recent performance at Chicago's Riot Fest by staging graphic mock assassinations of President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The band's dramatic portrayal, which took place over the weekend, quickly became a hot topic on social media, drawing both shock and criticism from audiences.
According to Breitbart, the spectacle featured a mannequin resembling Elon Musk, complete with a ball cap and a black DOGE t-shirt. This figure was theatrically beheaded by a band member wielding a sword, resulting in a burst of fake blood from the mannequin's neck. Similarly, a figure representing President Trump was also subjected to a gruesome mock execution.
Despite the uproar on social media, the festival's organizers remained unapologetic. Responding to criticism, the festival's X account quipped, Like I know this is a rage bait engagement farming Twitter account, but GWAR crossed a major line is one of the funniest fking things Ive ever heard.
One concerned user on X pointed out, Listen I know they do this to every leader and even did Obama but after what happened with Charlie Kirk last week its just retarded timing. Riot Fest's response was dismissive, stating, Shut the fuck you dork ass loser.
While the performance drew ire from some quarters, others noted that Gwar's act is consistent with their long-standing tradition of staging theatrical murders of various public figures, including politicians and fictional characters. This latest show, they argue, is merely a continuation of the band's established performance style, which has been a staple of their concerts for years.
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