Electronic music producer Matteo Milleri, widely recognized as Anyma, has issued a comprehensive response following the abrupt cancellation of his September 12 “ÆDEN” tour stop in Istanbul, Turkey. The Istanbul Governorate officially revoked permission for the performance at Ataköy Marina Arena after a surge of social media backlash. Critics alleged that the show’s signature audiovisual performance—characterized by futuristic digital animations, robotic figures, and dark cyberpunk aesthetics—contained pagan and “satanic” ritualistic imagery.
The decision to ban the event followed a coordinated social media campaign in Turkey, where users framed specific clips from the show out of context to demand a boycott, citing the protection of local cultural and social values. This cancellation aligns with a broader trend of recent event bans in Istanbul targeting artists whose visual aesthetics push boundaries, including metal and rock acts such as Behemoth and Slaughter to Prevail.
Addressing the Allegations
In an extended statement shared via Instagram, Milleri firmly rejected the accusations, providing necessary artistic context while expressing deep concern regarding the targeted nature of the campaign. Anyma explained that his show is a cohesive science-fiction narrative exploring themes of darkness, light, destruction, and hope. “Taking one scene from any film or work and presenting it out of context as the meaning of the entire project is fundamentally misleading,” he noted, emphasizing that his storytelling draws inspiration from classic art, mythology, and literature rather than religious figures.
Milleri further revealed that critics had manipulated clips of his performances using AI to manufacture a false narrative. “None of my visuals are AI-generated, and the greatest irony is that AI was used to alter my work by those who condemn it… My art was turned into social media and political propaganda,” he stated. The producer expressed frustration that neither he nor his team were given an opportunity to clarify the production or discuss potential adaptations before the authorities issued the ban.
“Art can be questioned, challenged and debated, but we ask it to be judged for what it actually is, not for what someone else can manipulate it to appear as.”
Despite the setback, Milleri expressed a strong desire to return to the region. “I hope we can come back and finish the story in Istanbul together,” he added. For fans who purchased tickets, the local promoter, Only You Live, has confirmed that refund processes are currently underway.
