Snoop Dogg Cancels New Zealand Concert Days Before AFL Grand Final Appearance

American hip hop artist Snoop Dogg has cancelled his only scheduled New Zealand concert, just days before the show was due to take place, promoter 4ward Entertainment said on Wednesday.

The one-off performance in Auckland had been set for September 20 as part of the rapper’s trip to Australia to perform at the Australian Football League grand final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27. "Due to circumstances beyond our control, Snoop Dogg will no longer be performing in Auckland this weekend," the promoter said in a social-media post, adding: "We apologise to all fans who were looking forward to the show on Saturday, September 20. We understand the disappointment and inconvenience caused. Our goal was to deliver a first-class, New Zealand-first show and we are saddened this is no longer possible."

The cancellation follows reports that the show’s promoter in New Zealand is Pato Alvarez, a figure who has faced allegations of sexual assault in the past. Alvarez was sentenced to 12 months of home detention following a 12-week trial in 2023, in which he was found not guilty on 23 charges and guilty on two. Alvarez confirmed last week to New Zealand media outlet Stuff that he was the promoter for the event as part of NZ Touring & Events Limited and said Snoop’s team had asked him to arrange the stopover. "Snoop Dogg's team contacted us directly, wanting to stop in New Zealand for a special performance on his way to Australia," he told Stuff. "I am the promoter of the event for NZ Touring & Events Limited."

Organisers did not give further details on the circumstances prompting the cancellation and said ticket-holders would be notified about refunds. 4ward Entertainment’s statement did not reference Alvarez.

Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the AFL grand final later this month has been controversial. The rapper drew criticism in recent weeks over comments about same-sex relationships, prompting calls from some quarters for the AFL to remove him from the MCG line-up. Former Australian footballer Brendan Fevola predicted the AFL would drop Snoop, saying on radio that the league should replace him with an Australian artist because of the comments. "They're going to axe him. Because of his lyrics in his song and he talked about gay parents over the weekend," Fevola said on 101.9 The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick. "I think he will get the ae, and they are going to go for an Aussie artist to play at the MCG. That will happen, take that to the bank. He will get the [ae], which he should." The AFL and event organisers have not announced any change to the planned grand final entertainment.

A line-up of Australian artists planned to join the headliner at the MCG includes Baker Boy, Tash Sultana and Vera Blue. The AFL grand final entertainment traditionally features both international and domestic performers and attracts scrutiny over talent choices and broader social issues.

Representatives for Snoop Dogg did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 4ward Entertainment and NZ Touring & Events Limited did not provide further details beyond their public statements. Ticket-holders for the Auckland concert were advised to await further information from the promoter regarding refunds and next steps.