Pharrell Williams has announced that his Something In The Water Festival will not return to Virginia Beach, VA. The musician, producer, and entrepreneur cited the city’s “toxic energy” in a letter penned to City Manager Patrick Duhaney.
Pharrell’s letter, dated on October 5th, explained his mixed feelings regarding the city in which he grew up.
“I love the city of Virginia Beach. I’ve always loved the city of Virginia Beach and most importantly our people,” the letter began. “When we did the festival, it was to ease racial tension, to unify the region, bring about economic development opportunities and broaden the horizons of the local business community. We achieved those things!” he continued before explaining that he doesn’t feel like the city has reciprocated those feelings.
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“I love my city, but for far too long it has been run by— and with toxic energy,” wrote Pharrell.
He then referenced Virginia Beach’s treatment of his cousin, Donovan Lynch, who was shot and killed by police officers in March of this year, stating that the city’s unwillingness to address the broader issues of injustice and human rights is unacceptable.
“I sang about a room without a roof, but I am tired of kindly and politely being shown the door. … I realize the city hasn’t valued my proposed solutions.”
In a response letter, Duhaney expressed his disappointment with Pharrell’s decision, explained the positive impact SITW had on the local community, and pleaded for a chance to sit down with Pharrell in person and “explore a path forward.”
Read both letters in the tweet below. While it is unclear whether or not Pharrell will hold the 2022 edition of Something In The Water festival at all, head to the official website for the most up-to-date information.
BREAKING NEWS: SITW may not return to #VirginiaBeach in 2022. #13NewsNow. pic.twitter.com/AEjQMGUBEl
— Ali Weatherton 13News Now (@13AliWeatherton) October 5, 2021
[H/T Billboard]