Eminem Faces Backlash for Using Guns Shot Sounds During Show

Eminem's 2018 Bonnaroo Festival performance has become a hot topic, but not exactly for the reason the "Not Afraid" rapper would like it to be. Shady is currently facing criticism from some fans after the use realistic gun shot sounds during his performance left some people rattled.

Em closed out the show on Saturday night (June 9), with a rousing set. But his performance of “Kill You,” from his 2000 album, The Marshall Mathers LP, really set some people off. In video of the show, people are seen turning up to the track, which abruptly closes with a very loud gun shot sound effect that scares the mess out of many in attendance. Some scream and duck in horror. After the show, some of those who were triggered hopped on Twitter to express their disgust.

"I hate to be the one to say it, but being someone who suffers from very mild PTSD, it was EXTREMELY irresponsible and distasteful to end songs w the shot gun sound effect," one Twitter user posted. "I have grown up loving eminem and his music but i was extremely triggered to the point of tears."

Others also expressed how the experience traumatized them. "I was having a good time at eminem’s set then he played a realistic gunshot noise," someone else noted. "The whole crowd ducked and i’ve never felt more traumatized and ready to panic. completely inappropriate."

According to a statement by Eminem's manager Paul Rosenberg, however, the sounds were a result of a pyrotechnic element of the show. "Contrary to inaccurate reports, @Eminem does not use gunshot sound effects during his live show," he said. "The effect used by Eminem in his set at @bonnaroo was a pyrotechnic concussion which creates a loud boom. He has used this effect — as have hundreds other artists — in his live show for over 10 years, including previous US festival dates in 2018 without complaint."

The outrage comes on the heels of news that a man was found dead at the Tennessee festival on Friday (June 8). Foul play is not suspected in his death.

Check out video from Eminem's show and people's reactions below.

See Fans' Tweets Criticizing and Defending Eminem for His Use of Guns Shot Sounds During His 2018 Bonnaroo Festival Set