Limp Bizkit Estonia Concert Canceled Following Backlash Over Fred Durst’s Past Comments on Russia
TALLINN, ESTONIA – Limp Bizkit’s planned concert in Tallinn, Estonia has been effectively canceled after significant controversy erupted over frontman Fred Durst’s past comments adn personal connection to Russia, specifically Crimea. The fallout stems from Durst’s previous marriage to kseniya Beryazina, a Russian make-up artist from Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014.The couple divorced in 2019.
The situation escalated after Durst’s comments resurfaced, leading to a ban from Ukraine for five years for the band. Now, Estonian officials have made clear that those who appear to justify Russia’s aggression are not welcome to perform within the country’s borders. This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding russia’s actions in Ukraine and the scrutiny faced by public figures perceived to have ties to the country.
Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, stated, “My position is clear, and I will repeat it: Russia is the aggressor, and Crimea is occupied by Russia. Those who justify Russia’s aggression and the occupation of a neighboring country are not welcome in Estonia. They have no place on Estonian stages and should not be earning income here.” The Ministry of Culture also reportedly contacted concert organizers, asserting it is “unacceptable for people to perform in Estonia who support a state whose president is the subject of an international arrest warrant.”
Baltic Live Agency, the concert promoter, attempted to mitigate the damage, with media director Gunnar Viese explaining to ERR that Durst “was evidently living in a distorted information bubble” during his marriage to Beryazina. Viese also pointed to Limp Bizkit’s recent performances in countries supportive of Estonia and Ukraine, including Germany, Austria, and Poland, and noted Durst has not made overtly political statements regarding Russia or the war in Ukraine. He further characterized Durst’s 2024 social media message to Russian fans – expressing hope to see them soon – as standard artist-fan dialog.
