Denver, CO – Post Malone took the stage at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado on Thursday night (March 12) as planned — despite widespread panic over COVID-19. As a result, the platinum-selling artist is receiving a healthy dose of backlash for not canceling the performance.
“A giant fuck you to @PostMalone for holding a massive concert here in Denver during this pandemic,” one user wrote. “Should have done the right thing and postponed the event.”
A giant fuck you to @PostMalone for holding a massive concert here in Denver during this pandemic. Should have done the right thing and postponed the event
— Bill (@Linnuhmonsta) March 13, 2020
After the Pepsi Center tweeted the show would go on as scheduled, Twitter berated the venue as well, noting the NBA, NCAA, NHL, MLS, MLB and other major organizations have all taken proper precautions.
“this is a terrible decision,” another user wrote. “and before anyone hits me with ‘ok boomer’ I’m 23 and the coronavirus prob wouldn’t affect me long term. but this puts those who are much more susceptible at risk. once again: I don’t know how to explain to you that you should care about other people.”
this is a terrible decision. and before anyone hits me with "ok boomer" I'm 23 and the coronavirus prob wouldn't affect me long term. but this puts those who are much more susceptible at risk. once again:
I dont know how to explain to you that you should care about other people.
— mate for bernie (@AlwaysAButt) March 12, 2020
The Pepsi Center, which can accommodate over 18,000 people, will now have to adhere to Governor of Colorado Jarad Polis’ recent ban on any event expecting 250 people or more without proper space. Polis announced the news on Friday (March 13).
“Polis is banning public gatherings of 250+ people in Colorado unless organizers implement social distancing of at least six feet of spacing between each person,” 9News anchor Kyle Clark tweeted. “Polis added he hopes faith leaders will recommend at-risk people not attend public gatherings at all, acknowledging that it will be ‘devastating’ for some people to be told that.”
Polis added that he hopes that faith leaders will recommend that at-risk people not attend public gatherings at all, acknowledging that it will be "devastating" for some people to be told that.
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) March 13, 2020
Polis wouldn’t say if the decision was a direct result over the Post Malone backlash, rather he said Denver is not yet a “hot spot” for the virus. Video posted of the concert shows a packed crowd and absolutely no “social distancing” as is recommended.
Check out of some of the reactions below.
This is going to lead almost directly to people dying in our community. Unconscionable. Class action lawsuit.
— 22 JANOS (@22Janos) March 13, 2020
We didn't suspend every major sport to have Post Malone screw this up for us. Get your shit together, Colorado. https://t.co/OYxgir7ybj
— Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) March 13, 2020
If you trust thousands of adolescents/young adults at a concert to do what they should do then you're just asking to contract the virus. Guaranteed half of the people in this shot either think that they're invincible and won't get sick or they won't die from the virus.
— Nick (@MrPapagiorgio90) March 13, 2020
-NBA season suspended
-NCAA tournament cancelled
-NHL Season suspended
-MLB Season postponed
-Denver schools shut down
-CO in state of emergency
-Post Malone concert? Packed. #9News https://t.co/7dzgQ8Aj5o— Marc Sallinger (@MarcSallinger) March 13, 2020
@PostMalone very irresponsible for you to not be postponing your concert in Denver tonight. 18,000 teens that risk exposure and then bringing CV to school tomorrow and exposing parents and grandparents. #dotherighthing
— Wendy (@Wendy03145673) March 12, 2020