Max HeyraudDuring a Boiler Room event in Lisbon over the weekend, fake blood was thrown into the DJ booth.
Ukrainian DJ E.LINA, who was performing at the time, shared the incident on Instagram on Saturday, October 25th, posting images showing blood stains on her equipment and record bag.
She wrote, “It was meant as a protest for Palestine. But for me, an artist from Ukraine, where blood is still being shed… it was deeply shocking. I can’t stay silent in this situation. The war in Ukraine is not over. This act—throwing fake blood as a gesture for Palestine—felt extremely disrespectful and inhumane.”
Her statement was met with criticism online. Many commentators challenged her perspective. One user wrote, “Art cannot be resistance when you’re playing for a promoter that is supporting genocide. Though I respect the DJ that you are, this statement is one big contradiction. You should know better, being from Ukraine. I hope this incident pushes you to reflect on your future choices. Free Palestine, free every oppressed human and nation.”
The protest occurred amid criticism from a group called BOYCOTT BOILER ROOM LISBON, which had previously accused the event of participating in “ravewashing” and urged performers to cancel their appearances.
In a statement issued in March of this year, Boiler Room addressed concerns about its ties to Superstruct’s parent company, KKR, noting that the company’s investments “categorically do not align with our values.” Despite the change in ownership, Boiler Room reaffirmed its commitment to editorial independence and its long-standing values, emphasising that no investor, past or present, has ever influenced its output.
Boiler Room is likely to continue facing scrutiny due to its ties with Superstruct’s parent company, KKR, and boycotts and controversies appear to be intensifying rather than slowing down. In this instance, however, it seems the protesters may have targeted the wrong DJ, as E.LINA, an artist from Ukraine, found the act particularly insensitive given the ongoing war in her home country. Critics, nonetheless, argue that performers should consider whether they want to associate with Boiler Room at all, given the ethical concerns surrounding the platform.
