Vic Mensa took to Instagram on Wednesday to praise Kehlani for speaking out in support of Palestine following the cancellation of two shows due to her stance on the war in Gaza.
“Few artists, and even fewer at your level of success, have chosen to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have, let alone at the peak of their popularity,” Mensa penned in a lengthy open letter to Kehlani. “Although newer to religion, i have a deep seated belief that god, or the universe, or however you categorize the all-powerful presence of the divine, is taking note – of every selfless action, of every sacrifice, of every time we [jeopardize] our security to do what’s right. i toe the line with you.”
Vic admitted there have been moments where he chose to not speak out because the 31-year-old was concerned about the possibility of his actions financially impacting his family. He and his partner announced the birth of their son Mansa Musa Mensa in February.
“I’ve been awe inspired by the way you’ve stood up,” he wrote. “Especially at a time when i fell back. and i asked myself, ‘although i need to feed my son, what kind of man do i want to inspire him to be?'”
Kehlani was scheduled to perform today at the annual Slope Day concert at Cornell University, but the show was canceled because the university’s president Michael I. Kotlikoff said the decision to have her perform “injected division and discord.”
New York City mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that her SummerStage concert has been canceled due to security concerns, citing her Pro-Palestine views as the reason.
Kehlani released a statement after her performance at Cornell University was pulled, clarifying that her views are not antisemitic.
“I’m not antisemitic or anti-Jew,” the singer said. “I’m anti-genocide, anti-actions of the Israeli government, anti-extermination of entire people, anti-bombing of innocent children, men, and women. That’s what I’m anti.”
