nuNov 5, 2026, 09:04

Sophie Straat still on guard after backlash: 'I was compared to Hitler'

Singer Sophie Straat faced significant backlash and safety concerns after asking white men to step back during her festival performances to create space for marginalized groups. The artist remains firm in her position and plans to provide further context regarding the controversy in an upcoming documentary.

Singer Sophie Straat recently addressed the significant backlash she faced following comments made during her performances at the Best Kept Secret festival and in Ghent. During these shows, the 32-year-old artist asked white men to step back to create a safer environment for women, queer individuals, and people of color to enjoy the music. Her request sparked widespread criticism on social media and resulted in hundreds of formal discrimination complaints, leading Straat to require security at subsequent festival appearances due to fears for her personal safety.

Despite the intense public reaction, which included comparisons to historical figures, Straat maintains that her intention was to foster inclusivity and address safety concerns in mosh pits. She expressed no regrets regarding her political stance and intends to provide further context through her appearance on the show Boerderij van Dorst and an upcoming documentary titled Sophie Straat: Wie hoog vliegt. The documentary, airing December 21 on NPO 2, explores her personal life and the fallout from the controversy.

Culture Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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