In June 2024, English group
Massive Attack canceled a concert at the Black Sea Arena, originally scheduled for 28 July, in response to the
Georgian government's repression of the
nationwide civil protests against law proposals that could have restricted
freedom of press and
LGBT rights in the country. The venue's management initially attributed the cancellation to "unforeseen circumstances"; however, the band later explained their decision in a statement, writing quote, "At this moment, performing at the state-owned Black Sea Arena could be seen as an endorsement of their violent crackdown against peaceful protests and civil society". ==Notes==