Soulshine At Sea cancellation

A four day Soulshine At Sea cruise is cancelled after Victoria Canal accuses Michael Franti of abuse; Franti denies the allegations.

Michael Franti denies sexual abuse allegations after Soulshine cruise cancelled

Soulshine At Sea, a four day concert cruise, has been cancelled after Victoria Canal publicly accused headliner Michael Franti of sexual abuse and grooming earlier in her career. Canal said she was 19 when the alleged abuse began with a much older man who offered her a first professional opportunity. Several artists on the lineup withdrew in response to the allegations, and Tank and The Bangas, Dispatch, Maggie Rose, Hirie, and Liz Vice announced they would not participate. Sixthman, the event organizer, said ticketholders would be offered refunds or future credits and that a new event was being planned. Franti issued a statement denying the allegations and saying the relationship with the other artist was consensual, while acknowledging a power imbalance and that he should have handled the situation differently. Canal later responded on social media, saying the truth of her experience remains difficult to confront. The episode highlights the tension between accountability, business interests, and fan expectations in the live music industry.

Organizers are trying to stabilize the situation by offering refunds and exploring a replacement event, but the public response has already impacted the tour's future prospects and trust in the brand. The case also raises questions about how to protect vulnerable artists in the industry, how to handle power dynamics, and what obligations organizers have to ensure safe working environments.

This case tests how live-event businesses manage serious allegations against a star headliner. It shows reputational risk as collaborators distance themselves and fans debate the balance between due process and public accountability. The cancellation also raises questions about how to protect vulnerable artists in the industry, how to handle power dynamics, and what obligations organizers have to ensure safe working environments.

If Sixthman can offer refunds and credibly rebuild trust through new programming, they could weather this storm. But the episode underlines that brand safety now sits alongside talent booking. In the long run, clearer policies, independent investigations, and transparent communications will matter as much as the music.

Highlights

More details on a replacement event and refunds are expected in the coming days.