Ashley Rae Goldenberg, MRC-TV, October 31, 2017

A music festival is apologizing for a volunteer who demonstrated “overt racism” after refusing to move to the back of the venue when a performer called to bring “brown” women to the front of the crowd.

The National Post reports the incident at the Halifax Pop Explosion began when singer Lido Pimienta called for “brown girls to the front” of the venue. According to an account of the event by Allie O’Manique that was confirmed by a festival spokesman, Pimienta kept repeating, “Move to the back” when a white volunteer photographer refused to move.

“Finally after saying it about 10 times — and the woman refused to move — (Pimienta) said, ‘You’re cutting into my set time and you’re disrespecting these women, and I don’t have time for this,’ ” she explained.

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In a Facebook post, the Halifax Pop Explosion apologized for “overt racism” the volunteer reportedly showed by refusing to move in order for minorities to take her place:

Dear attendees, fans, artists, staff, volunteers, and folks otherwise involved in the Halifax Pop Explosion. On Thursday, October 19 at the Marquee Club, a white HPX volunteer along with several other white people in the audience reacted to Lido Pimienta inviting “brown girls to the front” of the venue with overt racism. This volunteer was removed by Lido herself. They have since received notification from the festival that they are no longer welcome to volunteer with us. We will not accept this behaviour and neither should you. Be responsible for your friends — talk to them and support them as they move towards unpacking their racism. People of Colour deserve safe spaces and it is your responsibility to help. It is also ours.

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