Morrissey canceled two U.S. concerts on the East Coast after authorities said there had been a credible threat to his life. The English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with The Smiths, was slated to perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut on Friday and at MGM Music Hall in Boston on Saturday. The cancellations were announced Friday morning on the artist's official social media accounts, noting that tickets would be refunded automatically at their point of purchase.
The threat appeared to stem from an online post regarding Morrissey and an upcoming appearance in Ottawa. Canadian authorities said a 26-year-old man posted on the Bluesky platform with alleged plans to attend Morrissey’s event at the CityFolk Festival and harm the performer. Noah Castellano was arrested on charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and later released on a $5,000 bail. Ottawa police did not indicate that Morrissey was in danger at the city’s festival, where Morrissey was still slated to perform later that weekend. The post referencing the singer appeared to identify a potential target and described intent to shoot, according to court filings reported by local media.
Despite the threat and the subsequent cancellations on the East Coast, Morrissey’s headlining set at CityFolk went ahead, though it drew attention from attendees and observers. Organizers had already been circulating security considerations and, in line with Morrissey’s vegetarian beliefs, vendors at the festival were reportedly asked to refrain from selling meat on the day of his performance. The city’s press and social coverage noted a heightened security presence and ongoing discussions about the artist’s controversial public persona in recent years.
In the broader context, Morrissey has been the subject of repeated scrutiny for remarks on race, immigration, and religion. He has drawn condemnation from civil rights and anti-racist groups for remarks critics described as Islamophobic and Islam-related stereotypes, and for past endorsements of far-right political views. Supporters and critics alike have debated the implications of his public statements as he continues to tour and headline festivals.
Tickets for the canceled shows will be refunded automatically through the original point of purchase. The cancellations mark a rare interruption in Morrissey’s touring schedule amid ongoing debates about security, free expression, and the boundaries of celebrity politics in the live-entertainment landscape.