Ghent nightclub cancels performance by controversial US DJ Fantasma

The Kompass Klub nightclub in Ghent has cancelled the planned performance of American DJ Fantasma at its reopening night on 3 October, the venue announced on Instagram on Wednesday.

Fantasm, who performed at Tomorrowland in July, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct in Lyon, where he lives. Following reports of the accusations, the Dour festival removed him from its line-up earlier this summer.

The Kompass had booked Fantasm to perform at the club's relaunch in the Vynckier building on the Nieuwevaart. The announcement sparked a heated debate on social media, with both supporters and opponents of the decision weighing in. The club's management said that they had also received threats.

In its statement, Kompass said it had taken the decision “after days of thorough and respectful dialogue with all parties involved,” adding that it wanted to avoid being pressured into acting solely on “a hateful comment section and social media campaigns.”

The club said a dedicated mailbox had been flooded with “honest, confidential and unfiltered input” from ravers, artists, possible victims and industry professionals, which helped shape its decision.

Support for victims of sexual assault

Kompass stressed that it rejects all forms of sexual violence and pledged to take concrete action. All profits from the reopening event will be donated to an organisation that supports victims of sexual assault by providing legal and psychological assistance. The club also announced that a licensed psychologist would be available free of charge at future events, alongside professional medical staff.

"We will always put our money where our mouth is," the statement read. “Let’s focus on what really matters: respect your fellow humans and look after each other.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | Jens Grieten of Kompass Klub pictured at the Vynckier-building © BELGA PHOTO JONAS D'HOLLANDER}