Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Fred Durst, the frontman of Limp Bizkit, has been haunted by his prior support of Russia, as reported by theprp. Durst spent more time abroad after marrying Kseniya Beryazina, a Ukrainian, in 2012. Durst became more specific to Russian culture during that time, especially in the Crimea region that Russia had acquired from Ukraine in 2014.
At one point in 2015, state officials supported Durst and his previously mentioned ex-wife’s intention to relocate to Crimea and produce Russian/Crimea-friendly television programs. Durst was barred from the Ukraine for five years as a result of this ruling and his apparent public support for the Russian-Crimea annexation at a live performance in 2015 (Durst is reported to have held up a flag that read “Crimea = Russia”).
Durst personally justified his respect for the local populace at the time.
… there are great people everywhere. I have met many Russians, in Russia, that are excited to learn more about America.
In 2015, in particular, Durst’s apparent obsession with Russian culture was on full display as he uploaded a number of videos showcasing local customs and more while traveling the country, including speaking at a Russian high school and seeing a vodka distillery.
Following their 2018 divorce, Durst’s outspoken criticism of Russia has mostly stopped. But according to reports, he did use VKontakte in 2024 to say that he missed performing for his Russian fans. Years after the controversy, Durst’s prior connections have come up again in light of Limp Bizkit’s May tour of Estonia.
The band’s scheduled performance in Tallinn, Estonia on May 31, 2026, has been canceled due to his previous remarks and Russian support.
We inform you that due to circumstances beyond the organizer’s control, the Limp Bizkit concert planned for May 31, 2026, is canceled. Our apologies! – Promoter
Given Durst’s previously reported ties to Russia, ERR reports that the show has received significant opposition since its announcement on November 7. The aforementioned publication received commentary on the news from Brita Kikkas, an Estonian ministry media advisor.
Estonia supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the principle that every last centimeter of Ukrainian territory belongs to Ukraine.
Kikkas continued by saying that anyone “backing an aggressor state” were not welcome in Estonia or in Estonian culture. Margus Tsahkna, the foreign minister of Estonia, also outlined the nation’s position on the issue.
My position is clear, and I will repeat it: Russia is the aggressor, and Crimea is occupied by Russia. Those who justify Russia’s aggression and the occupation of a neighboring country are not welcome in Estonia. They have no place on Estonian stages and should not be earning income here.
