AXE Ceremonia has issued a new statement regarding the death of two photojournalists at its festival over the weekend. On Monday, the fest organizers expressed their “deepest sorrow” over the deaths of Citlali Berenice Gilles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Rojas Hernández, who were covering the Mexico City festival.
“From the very first moment, we have been by their families’ side, providing all the support and assistance we could offer during these very difficult times,” the organization wrote. “We want to reiterate our commitment to be there for them, not only today but every step of the way as they navigate this painful process.”
The photojournalists, who worked for outlet Mr. Indie, were killed after a crane collapsed following a strong wind gust. In Monday’s statement, the festival said it was “working closely” with authorities on “all the necessary requests.”
“This unfortunate event deeply saddens us as a community and strengthens our resolve to review and reinforce our civil protection and safety protocols to prevent such an incident from occurring again,” the statement read.
The letter, addressed to “the public opinion,” comes after attendees and Mexican music journalists expressed their distaste for the music festival’s initial reaction to the deaths, since it failed to end the event that day due to the deaths, and did not mention Gilles Rivera and Rojas Henández by name in their statement about it the following morning.
Monday’s letter also acknowledged the work of the photojournalists as “an essential part of the festival’s history” and the importance of journalistic work. “On behalf of the entire Festival Ceremonia team, we send our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues,” the fest ended their note. “We too share their grief and stand united in mourning this irreparable loss.”
Over the weekend, Angry People Media, a collective of Mexican photojournalists, issued a statement condemning Ceremonia’s immediate inaction to the two deaths, calling for better work conditions for journalists covering music in the country overall.
“Berenice and Miguel deserved to return home. They deserved secure and dignified work conditions. They deserved respect for their work. And now, they deserve memory, justice, and the truth,” the collective wrote. “This pain cannot be lost or diluted in cold statements… This needs to change.”
The festival continued on Saturday following the incident — including headlining sets by Charli XCX and K-pop band Tomorrow X Together. AXE Ceremonia organizers and the local mayor’s office announced the cancelation of Sunday’s festivities the following morning.
“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, we inform you that the activities scheduled for today have been suspended, following the guidelines of the relevant authorities,” the organization wrote. “Our sympathy and support go out to their families and love ones during this difficult time.”
