Shakira Cancels World Pride 2025 Performance in Washington, D.C.

Just a day before she was set to headline the kickoff concert for World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C., global music star Shakira has pulled out of the show due to serious equipment problems.

In a statement released on Friday, the Capital Pride Alliance, which organizes World Pride, shared its regret. “We are deeply disappointed that unforeseen circumstances have forced the cancellation,” the group said. “Updates about the relocated Opening Ceremony program will be released as soon as they are finalized!”

Equipment Trouble Began in Boston

Shakira was expected to perform on Saturday night at Nationals Park as part of the World Pride opening event. However, the problems started earlier in the week. Her Thursday night concert at Fenway Park in Boston was canceled just hours before it was scheduled to begin.

Those issues seem to have continued, affecting her ability to travel and set up for the Washington performance. Even country singer Jason Aldean’s Friday show at Fenway Park had to be canceled, indicating wider technical challenges.

The Pride Alliance confirmed, “Due to complications with the previous show in Boston, Shakira’s full tour production cannot be transported to Washington, D.C. in time for her scheduled performance at Nationals Park.” They added, “Despite every effort to make it happen, it is not possible to move forward as planned.”

Pride Weekend Still On, Opening Show Will Be Moved

While Shakira’s cancellation is a setback, Pride organizers emphasized that the rest of the opening weekend events across the city would continue as planned. The Opening Ceremony will now be moved to a different location and adjusted accordingly.

Political Tensions Add to World Pride Challenges

The concert cancellation adds to the difficulties facing this year’s World Pride. But unlike other challenges, this one isn’t political. Organizers have already been dealing with lower expected international turnout due to concerns from the LGBTQ+ community about the policies of former President Donald Trump.

Some major international LGBTQ+ groups—Eagle Canada and the African Human Rights Coalition—have even advised people not to travel to the U.S. They worry that transgender and nonbinary individuals could face trouble entering the country, especially if border officials strictly enforce binary gender rules.

Some Drop Out, Others Plan to Show Up in Larger Numbers

Because of these concerns, some international attendees have already said they won’t come. Some are skipping the event for safety, while others are doing so as a form of protest. However, there’s also been a strong push within the U.S. LGBTQ+ community to show up and make their presence felt.

Security Measures and Travel Trends

Ryan Bos, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance, said that safety is a top priority. Security fencing will be installed around the final two-day concert and rally, which will take place along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Earlier reports from Destination D.C., which monitors hotel bookings, showed that reservations for June 6-8 were initially lower than in previous years. However, there’s been a recent spike in bookings.

Elliott Ferguson, President of Destination D.C., told the media on Thursday, “What we’re seeing now is a surge at the last minute, especially with the national community.” He believes that fears about lower international turnout may have “galvanized the local community, the national community to want to come to the city.”