# Jelena Karleuša performance controversies > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jelena-karleua-performance-controversies > Updated: 2026-08-09T12:36:11.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3. In late July 2026, Serbian pop star Jelena Karleuša attracted renewed public backlash after recalling a hostile encounter with fellow singer Ceca Ražnatović and facing accusations of hate speech and genocide denial. The controversy led to a cancelled concert in Sarajevo and petitions to block an upcoming show in Skopje, with authorities citing concerns over religious and national hatred. By early August, Karleuša was scheduled to headline the “Days of the Plum” festival in Blacu, Serbia. While the event received municipal funding for entertainment, local plum growers protested the allocation, arguing that the money should address plummeting fruit prices and the viability of family orchards. A concert announced for 15 August at the private Hacienda club in Vodice, Croatia, sparked fresh outcry. Mayor Ante Cukrov said the singer was “not welcome” because of past statements that insulted Croatia, including remarks regarding “Greater Serbia” and characterizations of the Croatian language. Despite initial claims from organizers that the show would proceed after midnight on 16 August, the Hacienda club officially cancelled the performance. Management cited the safety of guests and employees as the primary concern, noting that public reactions had exceeded the scope of a typical musical event. Karleuša responded to the cancellation by claiming she is a victim of “political spin and media manipulation,” asserting that her previous remarks were directed at political circles rather than the Croatian people and that she never wished harm upon anyone. Local political figures have criticized organizers for failing to vet performers' public stances more thoroughly prior to booking. ## Claims - Ante Cukrov, mayor of Vodice, stated that Jelena Karleuša is not welcome in the city due to her past negative comments. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Ante Cukrov stated the municipality is not responsible for the programming of private venues. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The concert was initially scheduled to coincide with the religious holiday of Velika Gospa. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Jelena Karleuša has previously made statements regarding 'Greater Serbia'. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Citizens and veteran associations have planned silent protests against the concert. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Hacienda club management stated they will not tolerate hate speech or threats. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Karleuša previously referred to the Croatian language as a dialect of Serbian. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Hacienda club announced that the concert will take place after midnight on August 16. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Hacienda club cancels Jelena Karleuša concert in Vodice The Hacienda club in Vodice, Croatia, cancelled Jelena Karleuša’s concert following public backlash over her past political statements. The singer claims her words were taken out of context. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balkan-singers-face-regional-controversies-and-career-shifts ### 2026-08-07: Regional music stars perform in Pula and Travnik amid Jelena Karleuša controversy Severina and Marija Šerifović held successful major concerts in Pula and Travnik, while Jelena Karleuša's upcoming Vodice performance has sparked protests and political controversy in Croatia. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jelena-karleua-headlines-blacu-plum-festival-amid-farmer-protests ### 2026-07-23: Jelena Karleuša faces renewed backlash over past rivalry and concert bans Karleuša recalled a hostile early clash with Ceca and now faces concert‑cancellation petitions in Sarajevo and Skopje amid accusations of hate speech. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serbian-celebrities-stanija-dobrojevi-and-jelena-karleua-open-up-about-careers-and-personal-support --- Cite as: Jelena Karleuša performance controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jelena-karleua-performance-controversies