First, he replaced Jian Ghomeshi on CBC; now, Canadian hip hop artist Shad has replaced another controversial figure, rapper Action Bronson, as the headliner for the North by Northeast (NXNE) event at Yonge-Dundas Square on Sun., June 21.

Bronson was supposed to play a free show at the festival’s outdoor stage. He was pulled after a petition citing misogynistic lyrics in his song “Consensual Rape” gained more than 42,000 signatures.

Festival organizers said they pulled Bronson from the event because “Yonge-Dundas Square is the city’s space and as such we are obliged to listen to how the city and community want it used.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory (open John Tory's policard) had commented that the show might violate city policies.

Shad will join fellow perfomers NÜE, Casey Veggies, and Ty Dolla $ign at the festival, which runs June 17-21.

NXNE has also confirmed LA synthpop artist Cold Cave will join Programm, Greys and Deafheaven for the Sat., June 20 event at Adelaide Hall.

—with files from Ben Rayner and Emma Healey

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