As you can see below, many were offended at Belly's use of profanity and vulgar language during the performance.The #CityofTO apologizes for the inappropriate content during tonight's closing performance at Nathan Phillips Square.
— Special Events T.O. (@specialeventsTO) July 4, 2017
Not everyone thinks this uncivilized behaviour is an appropriate performance for young CHILDREN. Seriously check your moral compass! #TOfail
— Doris (@newfiechick) July 4, 2017
Excessive swearing and vulgar language. #notcool
— John Wang (@wangjohn) July 4, 2017
I cringed the whole performance. He didn't just say the Fword 100 times. He said he was smoking CDN kush, drinking, popping pills all day :/
— Meaghan (@mkosial) July 4, 2017
.@TorontoComms you thought Belly & this DJ were appropriate for a family event on Sunday night? You should be fired! @johntory
— Maria Castellucci (@MAdCastFuji) July 4, 2017
Swearing on stage at a family event is completely inappropriate! #Canada150
— Maria Castellucci (@MAdCastFuji) July 4, 2017
Twitter user Maria Castellucci, who was in attendance with her sisters and niece, told CBC Toronto that she felt "verbally assaulted" by the performance.
"From the opening, the DJ told the crowd to 'make some motherfucking noise.' That is hardly an appropriate way to greet young children, seniors and quite honestly, anyone," she said. "This continued with song lyrics referring to people as bitches, the N-word, and more."
After catching wind of the apology and reaction, Belly had some choice words of his own for those appalled by his performance.
TORONTO 😳😳😳 #canada150 || 60k+ turning up with me! I love you forever🖤#nathanphillipssquare || xo || 🎥: @mannydioncp pic.twitter.com/DSOBHypZmE
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) July 4, 2017
that's the beauty of living somewhere with REAL freedoms 🇨🇦
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) July 4, 2017
fuck censorship forever 🖕🏼
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) July 4, 2017
Consuela loved the show, that's all that matters pic.twitter.com/gAHfaTuinm
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) July 4, 2017
Of course, Belly had plenty of others standing firm in his corner as well.missed grabbing the "THEY WILL NEVER CENSOR MY ART" tweet but here's the Belly reaction at least partly deleted pic.twitter.com/39nQsYpLWx
— Twelve Thirty Six (@1236) July 4, 2017
y'all were told that he'd be swearing during his set before he even showed up, a few white people complained & NOW it's an issue? tragic.
— babykins (@abelsboo) July 4, 2017
Please stop overreacting! pic.twitter.com/EqPyyjy9OG
— Chris Adam (@Kaiserca75) July 4, 2017
CBC Toronto reports that the city will follow up with Belly "to address the issue." "As per contracts, the city expects all artists to deliver G-rated, family-friendly shows suitable for all ages," the city said in a statement, adding that they are "extremely disappointed with what happened."If you can't handle 'strong language' at a live performance of music I think you need to say home and stay away from people
— ........ (@kidwithagopro) July 4, 2017
