Green Day Criticized For Performing After Acrobat Falls To His Death At Mad Cool Festival

American punk rock band Green Day is under fire for performing at the Mad Cool Festival in Spain, shortly after an acrobat fell to his death in the same event.

On Friday, an acrobat named Pedro Aunión Monroy tragically fell over 100 feet during a performance at the Mad Cool Festival. Monroy’s death was witnessed by over 35,000 terrified festivalgoers.

The horrific and deadly accident, which was captured on video, showed Monroy inside an illuminated cage suspended in the air. A few minutes later, the acrobat plummeted to the ground and instantly died on the scene.

Paramedics immediately rushed to the scene and administered first aid in an attempt to save Monroy. Unfortunately, the performer incurred severe injuries and did not make it. According to reports, the 42-year-old performer was doing a tribute to Prince’s hit song “Purple Rain.”

Considering the frightful accident that took the life of Monroy, many expect that the rest of Mad Cool Festival would be canceled. Surprisingly, the event’s headliner, Green Day, took the stage and continued with their performance shortly after the delay.

Many were quick to criticize the band for being “inconsiderate” and “disrespectful” after the deadly accident that transpired. Some were even disgusted by the organizers’ decision to push through with the event.

Dismayed fans took to social media and slammed Green Day for performing their set just less than 30 minutes after the incident. Some pointed out that the accident took place just 20 feet away from the band yet they still opted to continue.

Others claimed that the organizers of the event only cared about the profit. They were also criticized for the lack of safety during the show.

Meanwhile, Green Day clarified that they were not aware of the incident prior to their performance. The band took to Twitter and explained that they were not informed about Monroy’s death and that they only knew about it after their set.

Green Day also expressed their condolences to the family of Monroy.

“We just got off stage at Mad Cool Festival to disturbing news. A very brave artist named Pedro lost his life tonight in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Billie Joe Armstrong also released an official statement on the band’s website, giving details of what really transpired on their end. According to the Green Day frontman, they were in a backstage compound located about a half mile away from the main stage, thus, making it difficult for them to keep track of what’s going on prior to their set.

Armstrong also added that the authorities chose not to tell them about the accident and only informed them after the event. He also pointed out that the horrible accident was something that never happened in the history of Green Day’s live performances.

“If we had known prior to our performance we most likely would not have played at all. We are not heartless people. The safety and well-being at any of our concerts absolutely comes first.”

Meanwhile, Mad Cool Festival’s organizers released a statement addressing the accident, claiming that they “regret the terrible accident.” They also added that Green Day was allowed to continue with their performance for “security reasons.”

The actual footage of the incident can be seen below. Watch at your own discretion.

https://youtu.be/amjZfXKN8p4

[Featured Image by Rich Polk/Getty Images]