Harry Styles ticket criticised over 9/11 associations during New York shows
Harry Styles has attracted online criticism after fans noticed the design on his New York concert tickets carried uncomfortable associations with the September 11 terror attacks.
The artwork, which appeared on commemorative tickets for Styles’ September 9 show at Madison Square Garden, features a yellow car soaring above the Empire State Building, leaving a trail across the landmark’s spire.
Images of the ticket circulated on social media, where some fans questioned the timing of the design, given it was distributed in the week marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Several social media users described the imagery as an unfortunate choice. One fan wrote that including the artwork “the week of 9/11 is f***ing insane”, while another commented that it was “a little bold given its 9/11 week in NYC”.
Others asked, “Who approved this?” as debate spread online.
The criticism stems from the attacks of September 11, 2001, when hijacked commercial aircraft crashed into the World Trade Centre’s Twin Towers in New York City, killing nearly 3000 people.
The attacks remain the deadliest terrorist act in US history.
While some fans labelled the design insensitive, others defended it, arguing the artwork was whimsical and representative of Styles’ colourful visual branding rather than a reference to historical events, Page Six reported.
No suggestion has been made the singer or his team intentionally linked the design to 9/11.
The ticket controversy comes as Styles continues his Madison Square Garden residency as part of his Together, Together world tour. The singer launched the New York run in late August and is scheduled to perform 30 shows at the venue before concluding the residency on Halloween, according to Metro UK.
Away from the ticket debate, Styles has generated more headlines this week after announcing the 2027 dates for his record-breaking Together, Together tour.
Styles’ landmark run at Wembley Stadium also made history, with his 12 consecutive shows earning a Guinness World Record for the longest single-artist residency at the venue, according to the BBC.
The pop star said the success of the tour had exceeded his expectations and described himself as “the luckiest person in the world” to continue performing for fans, Rolling Stone reported.
However, Styles also hinted the newly announced concerts could mark the final chapter of the tour.
The singer said he doesn’t know “what comes next” in his career after the final dates, fuelling speculation he may take an extended break from touring after years of near-constant live performances since launching his solo career after One Direction.