Jelena Karleuša faces renewed backlash over past rivalry and concert bans

Serbian pop star Jelena Karleuša recalled a hostile first‑stage encounter with fellow folk singer Ceca Ražnatović, describing how Ceca once told her “it’s a shame you’re overweight and ugly.” The anecdote was shared as Karleuša celebrated the chart‑topping release of her new album.

Following the album’s success, public outrage resurfaced. After a cancelled performance in Sarajevo over accusations of hate speech and genocide denial, social‑media users began circulating petitions demanding the cancellation of her upcoming concert in Skopje’s Jane Sandanski Arena. Organisers have not responded, while Bosnia‑and‑Herzegovina’s interior ministry previously requested a ban, citing concerns of religious and national hatred.

The dual controversies have placed Karleuša at the center of a regional debate on artistic freedom versus perceived extremist messaging.