DJ Darius Syrossian forced to cancel US shows due to Donald Trump’s travel restrictions
The DJ Darius Syrossian has pulled out of a handful of US shows, citing President Donald Trump‘s travel restrictions for the decision.
The Iranian-born DJ took to Instagram to share the news, beginning, “Due to the Trump administration’s ongoing travel restrictions based on race and nationality, I have serious concerns around travelling to the United States at this time.”
Iran, as well as other countries such as Sudan, Libya, and Afghanistan, is deemed “high-risk” in travel restrictions introduced after Trump was sworn in as US president in 2025.
Though having a passport for other nations technically exempts travellers from this restriction, Syrossian shared his anxiety, as he has heard “multiple first-hand accounts” from people “with the same documentation, and who were also born in the same country as me, experiencing significant difficulties upon arrival in the United States – including being refused entry.”
As such, Syrossian has pulled out of shows in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, and Miami Music Week. “This was not an easy decision,” he clarified.
His statement continued, “However, remaining silent or carrying on as if nothing is happening is not an option when discrimination is being normalised at the highest levels of government.”
The musician added earnestly, “I stand in solidarity with those impacted by the current administration’s policies and hope for a future in which everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and humanity.”
Other musicians have cancelled US appearances because of travel issues, mostly relating to visas. In Spring 2025, British star FKA Twigs cancelled shows in the US and Canada, as well as festival sets at Coachella and Axe Ceremonia, due to “ongoing” visa problems.
Additionally, last year, Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap were dropped from their US visa sponsors, after deeming the conflict in Palestine a “genocide” at Coachella; they were subsequently forced to cancel their US tour.
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