Until His Innocence Is Proven: The City That Canceled Ofek Adnek's Performance

Dimona Mayor Beni Bitton canceled rapper Ofek Adnek's performance at the city's youth festival after Adnek was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his partner. Bitton said: "Until his innocence is proven, we canceled the performance; if he is acquitted, we will be happy to invite him again." Adnek was released to five days of house arrest, and his attorney claims he did not harm her. Adnek posted on Instagram denying the allegations.

Dimona Mayor Beni Bitton ordered this morning (Monday) to cancel the planned performance of rapper Ofek Adnek in the city, which was supposed to take place on August 23 as part of a youth festival. The decision came shortly after it was revealed that Adnek is the singer suspected of assaulting his partner, Hadas Masuri. Bitton said: "At this stage, until his innocence is proven, I gave the instruction to cancel the performance. If he is acquitted, we will be happy to invite him again." He added that he is sorry for the children affected by the cancellation, but on the gender issue it is very important to him. The incident for which Adnek was arrested occurred over the weekend, when police were called to their home following a loud argument that spilled into the street. In videos on social media, Adnek is heard shouting at Masuri, "Take your things and fly out of the house," and later, "Come on, run me over again." Adnek was released yesterday to five days of house arrest. His attorney, Ness Ben Natan, said in court: "He is a young man with no criminal record, he did not intend to harm her and did not harm her." This morning, Adnek posted on Instagram: "The last few days have been complex for me. I experienced a breakup from a relationship full of powerful love. As part of a private argument with my ex-partner, I was injured in my leg." He added that "out of the pain and turmoil of that moment, the argument became charged and stormy."