“This is a tough country…it’s almost bulletproof, maybe even invincible,” expressed Diplo about Brazil. This was the opening to a statement he shared following a shooting that rocked São Paulo’s Carnival celebrations.

He and his Major Lazer bandmates had been booked to play the famed Brazilian street celebration on Tuesday, February 26, when a shootout interrupted their performance at its beginning. The show, and later the whole party, was cancelled as a result. Witnesses told Remezcla that the violent altercation took place when one audience member attempted to rob another. Two people were injured from the incident, but no deaths were reported. Diplo and his bandmates escaped unscathed, protected by security at the time.

Diplo has plans to return next year.

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Fico muito triste em saber que pessoas foram feridas em um momento de alegria e felicidade como o Carnaval. Faz 20 anos que venho ao Brasil e foi a primeira vez que testemunhei qualquer tipo de violência. Mas não devemos deixar que isso acabe com a liberdade trazida pelo espírito do Carnaval. This is a tough country.. It's bullet proof, maybe even invincible.. Its definitely blessed.. We were actually ready 15 minutes later to get on and do a show for everyone in Sao Paulo just as we made sure the medical teams were good.. But that's when thunder and lightning started to pour down as if Brazil started to cry. I will see you next year Sao Paulo because you know we love you💛💚💙

A post shared by Thomas Wesley (@diplo) on Feb 26, 2020 at 9:32am PST

H/T: DJ Mag

Photo credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

Tags: diplo, major lazer

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