One other high-profile live performance headlined by Kehlani has been canceled amid ongoing backlash over her pro-Palestine views.
The five-time Grammy-nominated singer’s Central Park present on June 26 was known as off by SummerStage organizers, who cited security and safety points raised by metropolis officers. The occasion was certainly one of many LGBTQ+ Delight occasions scheduled round New York Metropolis.
“We have been notified by the Mayor’s Office that they have concerns for security and safety issues regarding the June 26 Kehlani concert … as well as security demands in Central Park and throughout the city for other Pride events during that same time period,” SummerStage introduced on social media Monday.
Organizers on the nonprofit Metropolis Parks Basis cited issues “due to the controversy surrounding Cornell University’s decision to cancel Kehlani’s concert” late final month. The upstate New York college pulled the plug on the R&B singer acting at its annual spring celebration after complaints that she’d expressed antisemitic sentiments.
“SummerStage is proud to be a platform for artists from around the world to perform and make arts accessible for all New Yorkers in their neighborhood parks,” the assertion continued. “While artists may choose to express their own opinions, their views may not necessarily be representative of the festival. SummerStage events are intended to bring together all sectors of the New York City community and we look forward to welcoming more guests throughout the summer.”
Kehlani performs in the course of the 2023 WNBA All-Star recreation at Michelob ULTRA Enviornment on July 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures)
In accordance with Rolling Stone, NYC First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro wrote a letter to the group threatening to revoke its license and refer the matter to the police to find out if there was a “risk to public safety” posed by the occasion.
“If the foundation does not promptly take steps to ensure public safety, the city reserves all rights and remedies to the foundation’s license,” Mastro reportedly wrote.
Kehlani beforehand pushed again at Cornell College branding her views as “antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments.” On April 26, the 30-year-old took to social media and burdened “for the millionth time” that she’s not “anti-Jew” however is “anti-genocide.”
“I am anti the actions of the Israeli government,” she stated in a video. “I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women — that’s what I’m anti.”
Generally known as a fearless pro-Palestinian supporter, the singer wore a jacket adorned with kaffiyehs as dancers waved Palestinian flags in her 2024 music video for “Next 2 U.” The video additionally included the phrase “Long Live the Intifada” in its introduction.
Whereas the phrase “intifada” interprets into rebel or rebellion, the Anti-Defamation League has known as it a slogan for “indiscriminate violence against Israel.” Others contemplate it a cry for liberation and freedom.
