A shocking twist has rocked the music world: the Spilt Milk festival in Australia has confirmed that US artist D4vd will not perform after a disturbing discovery linked to his vehicle. The case has sparked intense debate, raising questions about responsibility and accountability. But here's where it gets controversial—D4vd’s name was quietly removed from the festival’s lineup before a public announcement, leaving fans and critics alike wondering about the true nature of the situation.
The 20-year-old singer-songwriter, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was set to headline multiple venues across Australia in December, including Ballarat, Perth, Canberra, and the Gold Coast. However, the festival’s decision came after the remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found inside D4vd’s impounded Tesla in Los Angeles. The body, described as decomposed, was discovered in a bag inside the car’s boot on September 8, prompting an immediate police investigation.
Celeste’s family has been left devastated. The teenager had gone missing since April 2024, when she was just 13 years old. Authorities were alerted three times to her disappearance, and her family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support their grief. On social media, her sister expressed confusion about the situation, stating, 'We didn’t know where she was—or who D4vd was.' A candlelight vigil was held in her memory, with mourners leaving flowers, Hello Kitty toys, and flyers demanding 'Justice for Celeste Rivas.'
The incident has forced D4vd to cancel the remaining dates of his 'Withered' world tour, which began in August. While he has cooperated with the LA Police Department’s investigation, the connection between him and Celeste’s death remains unclear. D4vd, known for his track 'Romantic Homicide,' has faced scrutiny over lyrics that reference 'killing' someone in a metaphorical sense. In a past interview, he clarified the line was not literal but rather a poetic expression of erasing someone from memory. Yet, the recent events have raised uncomfortable questions about the interpretation of such lines.
D4vd’s music has gained massive popularity, with over 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 186 million views for his 'Romantic Homicide' video. His latest album, however, has become a focal point of public discussion. As the investigation continues, fans are left to ponder: Is the song’s meaning purely artistic, or does it hint at something darker? What would you say if someone used similar lyrics to describe a real tragedy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.