Karleuša on Her Performance in Vodice
The announcement of the Serbian singer's concert on August 15 has sparked strong reactions, with the mayor, veterans, and the club all weighing in, and now Karleuša herself.
The announcement of the Serbian singer's concert on August 15 has sparked strong reactions, with the mayor, veterans, and the club all weighing in, and now Karleuša herself.
The announcement of Jelena Karleuša's performance at the Hacienda club in Vodice has caused quite a stir on social media and divided public opinion. The Serbian singer is scheduled to perform on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, which has further inflamed passions. In addition to the organizers, the mayor of Vodice and Karleuša herself have also commented on the matter.
The Hacienda club attempted to ease tensions with a statement emphasizing that the program is planned for the late-night hours. The club doors open at 11 PM, and all performers take the stage after midnight, i.e., on August 16, after the holiday has passed.
"Dear followers, we are aware of the different opinions and reactions regarding the announced concert on August 15. We want to emphasize that the club's program takes place during the night hours," Hacienda stated. They also stressed that they will not tolerate hate speech, insults, or threats, and that their venue is a place for music, entertainment, and mutual respect.
The mayor of Vodice, Ante Cukrov, did not hide his disapproval of the announced concert in a statement to Nacional. He emphasized that the city administration is not responsible for private properties, only for public spaces, but made it clear that Karleuša is not welcome.
"This is inappropriate. We are not responsible for private properties, only for public spaces. We have nothing against anyone, and everyone is welcome in the city of Vodice, but this is about a person who has publicly made negative comments about our country, and for that reason alone, she is not welcome," Cukrov said.
After reactions escalated, the singer herself spoke out. In an interview with Pink television and journalist Božo Dobriša, Karleuša commented on the situation in her characteristic style, not hiding a hint of irony.
"Either they'll kill me or they won't... With me, it's never peaceful, only chaos. We'll see if the performance will take place... I don't know why there's always such a fuss about me when I'm always so sweet and gentle. I'm so harmless, and every time they see, when they come to the performance, they realize there was no reason to make a fuss,"
Karleuša stated.
While some are announcing protests and others are defending the right to private entertainment, it remains to be seen whether the concert on August 15 will actually take place and in what atmosphere.
