Indo-Canadian Punjabi rapper AP Dhillon has responded to backlash generated by his decision to smash a guitar onstage during Coachella. Prior to his weekend one performance, the artist also pulled out of his scheduled second slot at the festival’s upcoming second weekend, citing a “scheduling conflict.”

While instrument smashing is a time-honored act of onstage rebellion and catharsis here in the US, Dhillon’s guitar smash was received poorly in India, where the rapper was born. Indian culture historically demonstrates a deep reverence for musical instruments, prompting the guitar smash to be read less as a moment of catharsis and more as a moment of disrespect.

Dhillon’s performance took place against a backdrop that read “Justice for Sidhu Moosewala,” referring to a Punjabi rapper who was killed by unidentified assailants in 2022. The artist took to Instagram following his Coachella set to share video of the moment multiple times throughout the week,...