Anyma Concert Cancellation in Istanbul Appealed by Promoter Over Satanic Content Claims
Anyma's promoter in Turkey has appealed the cancellation of the artist's Istanbul concert after Turkish authorities revoked its permits following religious groups' claims that show visuals were satanic. Anyma, whose real name is Matteo Milleri, says the footage circulating online had been manipulated with AI to distort clips from a previous performance, creating a false impression of the show's content, and that neither he, his team nor the promoter were consulted before the permits were pulled.
The show had been due to take place at Istanbul's Ataköy Marina Arena on 12 September as part of Anyma's ÆDEN tour, with around 12,000 international attendees expected and millions of pounds in marketing, media and tourism value at stake. The promoter has now filed a second permit application including Anyma's statement, asking authorities to reconsider, though Turkey has previously cancelled shows by acts including Robbie Williams, Behemoth and Slaughter to Prevail over safety, political or religious concerns, meaning uncertainty remains even if permits are restored. Anyma's tour continues with dates in Milan, Madrid, Sydney, Athens, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Paris and Santiago de Chile.
In short
- Turkey revoked Anyma's Istanbul concert permits over AI-altered "satanic" visuals claims
- Promoter has appealed, submitting Anyma's denial for reconsideration
- Turkey has a history of cancelling shows over safety, political or religious concerns
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Authorities and religious groups may argue that public events should respect local religious sensibilities and that officials have a duty to act when material is seen as potentially offensive or socially disruptive. They could also say permit decisions must account for public order and safety, and that caution is justified while disputed footage is assessed.
The case against
The promoter and artist can argue that cancelling a major event on the basis of manipulated clips, without consulting those responsible for the show, is unfair and risks suppressing artistic expression. They may also point to the expected international audience and economic benefits, and argue that authorities should verify the material and hear the organisers before withdrawing permits.
Explained simply
Anyma is the stage name of Matteo Milleri, an Italian-American electronic music producer and DJ known for combining dance music with large visual displays. His ÆDEN tour was due to come to Istanbul’s Ataköy Marina Arena, a venue planned to host about 12,000 visitors.
In Turkey, concerts need official permits, and performances can face scrutiny over religious, political or safety concerns. Religious groups objected to clips said to show satanic imagery; Milleri says online footage was altered using AI and did not accurately represent the show.
The dispute matters to the promoter, the expected visitors and businesses that could benefit from the event. It also reflects wider questions about how authorities assess concert content and how claims about online footage are checked.
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