A French musician and convicted murder has removed himself from the lineup of a French music festival after concerns were raised in regards to his inclusion on the bill.

A matter of days ago, we reported on how Bertrand Cantat, former frontman of rock band Noir Désir, had been announced on the lineup for France’s Papillons de Nuit festival, scheduled to take place on May 18th.

Almost immediately, this decision was met with criticism by those who protested the fact that Cantat, who had spent years in prison for the manslaughter of his girlfriend, actress Marie Trintignant, could be included on a lineup such as this.

“By highlighting Bertrand Cantat, you trivialize the violence against women and you endorse them,” read a statement on a petition to remove Cantat from the festival. “It is unimaginable to present a murderer under the romantic image of the poet.”

“Violence against women cannot be eradicated from our society as long as festivals like yours — but also film festivals, TV shows, or any other major events — will reward and invite murderers, rapists and criminals to be presented to the public as idols.”

Now, as AFP reports, Bertrand Cantat has pulled out of his upcoming appearance at the Papillons de Nuit festival, while two other festivals have already cancelled scheduled appearances.

Despite over 70,000 signatures on the Change.org petition against Cantat’s inclusion, the Papillons de Nuit festival rejected calls for his removal, stating “we consider that our only criteria should be artistic.”

According to AFP, Cantat noted that while he plans to continue dates to promote his new solo album, he has cancelled his current festival appearances “to bring an end to this controversy and end pressure on organisers.”

Among those criticising Cantat’s decision to perform in recent times is the mother of Cantat’s ex-girlfriend Marie Trintignant. “How can he do this, a man who everyone knows has killed?” Marie’s mother Nadine asked in an interview with French TV.

“How dare he? I find it shameful, indecent, disgusting, that he would go onstage.”

Check out Bertrand Cantat performing with Noir Désir:

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