Controversy has rocked the Shell Shock II music festival in Orlando after its headliner, Evergreen Terrace, and several other bands pulled out due to the addition of Kyle Rittenhouse as a special guest. According to PennLive, Evergreen Terrace and others exited the lineup, leaving the festival to scramble for a replacement and ultimately name a Slipknot cover band as the new headliner.

In a statement reported by the New York Post, Evergreen Terrace explained their withdrawal by saying, "We will not align with an event promoting murderers such as Kyle Rittenhouse capitalizing off of their pseudo celebrity." Following the announcement, Southpaw, Let Me Bleed, and American Hollow also opted out, distancing themselves from political involvement. The festival founder, Tyler Hoover, criticized the departing bands, purportedly calling them "frauds" and questioning their stance against cancel culture.

Rittenhouse, who was acquitted on all charges after the 2020 Kenosha shootings, was set to appear at the festival initially slated for October 19. This booking decision polarized both attendees and performers, with some viewing Rittenhouse as a figure of conservative self-defense rights and others as a contentious character linked to violence.

Despite the lineup changes and ongoing controversy, the festival, which benefits veterans with PTSD, is still expected to proceed as scheduled.