Made in America Festival 2023 Cancelled Amidst Controversies

Philadelphia’s much-anticipated Made in America Festival has been cancelled for this year. The unexpected announcement came via social media just a few weeks before the event was set to showcase some of the music industry’s biggest names.

The festival’s Instagram post stated, “Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made In America festival will no longer be taking place.” While the exact nature of these “severe circumstances” remains undisclosed, the cancellation follows a recent lawsuit against Lizzo, one of the event’s headliners. The lawsuit, filed by three former dancers, alleges that they were subjected to an “overtly sexual atmosphere” during their tenure. Lizzo has since refuted these claims, labeling them as false.

Originally scheduled for Sept. 2 and 3 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway during the Labor Day weekend, the festival boasted a star-studded lineup. Apart from Lizzo and SZA, other performers included Ice Spice, Metro Boomin’, Mase and Cam’ron in a joint act, Miguel, Lil Yachty, Coco Jones, Paris Texas, and several others.

The Made in America Festival, curated by music mogul Jay-Z, has been a staple event since its inception in 2012. The festival’s statement emphasized its legacy, stating, “Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience.” Fans can anticipate the festival’s return in 2024.

For those who have already purchased tickets, refunds will be processed through their original point of purchase.

Ethan Chan

Ethan Chan is a talented senior correspondent for Los Angeles Magazine, known for his incisive reporting and in-depth analysis of local and national issues. With over 15 years of experience in the field of journalism, Ethanm has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ethan's passion for writing and storytelling was evident from a young age. After completing his education, he began his career as a reporter for a local newspaper before joining the team at Los Angeles Magazine.