A concert that Kehlani was supposed to headline in Central Park in June has been canceled. New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office has announced that the SummerStage concert has been canceled because of security concerns directly tied to her previous support for Palestine.
“We write to advise you that we have security concerns about this event, given the controversy surrounding Kehlani’s scheduled performance at Cornell University (causing University officials to cancel the appearance), the security precautions needed for an event like this in Central Park, and the security demands throughout the City for other Pride events during this same period of time,” wrote First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro in a letter to the City Parks Foundation.
On social media, SummerStage’s organizers wrote, “We strongly and empathetically believe in artistic expression of all kinds. However, the safety and security of our guests and artists is of the utmost importance and in light of these concerns, the concert has been cancelled.”
Per the AP, Kehlani responded to the announcement on Instagram Stories by writing “lol” over a screenshot of the news. The singer also reportedly wrote, “I just found that one out on Instagram by the way.”
Kehlani also addressed the cancellation on Threads. “second show canceled by the state of New York!” she wrote. “REMINDER: we BEEN played Barclays. :)”
Last month, Kehlani had her performance at Cornell University’s “Slope Day” canceled because of her support for Palestinians. After the school announced that she would perform at their popular student event, its president, Michael Kotlikoff, revealed she wouldn’t be taking the stage anymore because she “espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media.”
Kehlani later hopped on Instagram to explain that she wasn’t antisemitic.
“I’m not antisemitic or anti-Jew. 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,” wrote the singer. “The very first live I did at the beginning of this genocide was with a really beautiful Jewish organization called Jewish Voices [sic] for Peace and I still continue to learn from and work alongside really impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide.”
The singer then explained that there her other shows were being impacted because of her stance.
“I know you’ve seen Cornell University cancelled my show, and now there are attempts at other cancellations on top of the cancellations i’ve already experienced over the past year,” wrote Kehlani. “If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism. don’t make it anti-jew.”
