BC students protesting B.o.B. as fest headliner
Boston College students are decrying the school’s choice of controversial rapper B.o.B. to headline an end of semester concert, arguing that he has a history of anti-Semitic comments and lyrics.
Marking the end of the spring semester, the popular Modstock Festival, taking place Thursday, is usually a highlight of the year, students say.
“B.o.B. was an offensive choice for the spring concert,” said Caitlin Guthlein, a senior biology student. “He has made some statements and has a whole song tied to anti-Semitic beliefs.”
Bobby Ray Simmons Jr., known as B.o.B., has been criticized in the past for touting views that Earth is flat and 9/11 was an inside job. The Anti-Defamation League has characterized his 2016 song “Flatline” as antiSemitic, citing a favorable reference to a Holocaust denier.
The rapper could not be reached for comment yesterday.
In a statement, the student-run Campus Activities Board, which plans the concerts, said B.o.B. was invited for his “talent and popularity.”
“That invitation is not an endorsement of his personal views. We are happy to meet with and listen to the concerns of those students who may be offended by our selection, as we would do for any of our events. We look forward to celebrating the end of classes next Thursday,” the board’s statement read.
The Boston chapter of the Anti-Defamation League is also calling out the rapper for his past remarks.
“The artist should make it clear to his listeners that he doesn’t intend to use his platform to promote Holocaust denials and anti-Semitism,” said regional ADL director Robert Trestan.
“By hiring B.o.B., BC is not really owning up to its Jesuit values,” Guthlein said. “BC isn’t holding up to their end of the bargain.”