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New York rapper Action Bronson is catching some heat in Toronto, where he is scheduled to perform a free show at Yonge-Dundas Square for NXNE on June 21. A petition was launched early this week to boot the American rapper from his upcoming performance because he “glorifies gang-raping women” in his song “Consensual Rape.” The petition criticizes the rapper’s “violent misogyny” and “hate speech.”

To deliver the point, it opens with an image of Bronson’s 2013 EP Saaab Stories album cover, which features Bronson standing over a scantily clad woman on her knees in front of a toilet.

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The page then cites the track lyrics, “Then dig your shorty out ’cause I geeked her up on molly / Have her eating dick, no need for seasoning / If seven dudes are in the room then she’s pleasing them / Like a trooper, hit her in the pooper, throw her in the shower then I take her out to Lupa.”

A musician who glorifies rape and violence against women should never be allowed to perform at a public space in our city

According to the petition, “A musician who glorifies rape and violence against women should never be allowed to perform at a public space in our city.”

Originally seeking a paltry 100 signatures, the petition has exceeded that at well over 1,000 names.

NXNE has also addressed the controversy, which has become a heated online discussion over the rapper’s morals.

Referencing the rapper’s 2012 NXNE performance as “a positive concert that was described by reviewers as ‘laid back’, ‘a lot of fun’ and a ‘world class hip-hop showcase’,” the festival foresees “another enjoyable day of music in a public space.”

Sara Peel, Managing Director of NXNE, said, “In the interest of moving forward in a positive manner, we are engaging in discussion with our community about this important issue, and looking to provide opportunities for concerned voices to be heard.”

The festival believes “each and every one of these artists have the right to express their views through music, but those views belong to them and them alone. Those who are offended by an artist are invited to check out other festival showcases, as NXNE will present hundreds of artists this June – some may be considered controversial, but most are just plain fun.”

Well, if “consensual rape” sounds fun to you, you might wanna make a date for June 21.

Update – May 27, 5:19 pm: In response to the criticism, Bronson tweeted today: