New York’s SummerStage nixes Kehlani gig over “safety concerns” from mayor

A Kehlani concert in New York has been cancelled over “safety concerns” stemming from her pro-Palestine views.

• READ MORE: Kehlani: “I’m really in a lighter, more mature, happy, fun space”

Last month, it was revealed that Cornell University had cancelled a campus concert featuring Kehlani due to her support of Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. That event’s cancellation made headlines, and has now directly caused the cancellation of another gig for the musician.

New York’s SummerStage last night (May 5), took to social media to share that Kehlani’s June 26 show has been axed over “concerns for security and safety issues” from the Mayor’s Office.

SummerStage’s statement reads: “Those concerts are due to the controversy surrounding Cornell University’s decision to cancel Kehlani’s concert at the University, as well as security demands in Central Park and throughout the City for other Pride events during that same time period.”

The fest continued: “We strongly and emphatically 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 concerts, the concert has been cancelled… While artists may choose to express their own opinions, their views may not necessarily be representative of the festival.”

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In his letter to the festival outlining his concerns, that was obtained by Rolling Stone, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro wrote: “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.”

Mayor Mastro also voiced his intention to refer the matter to the New York City Police Department, which would determine the “status of the Foundation’s license” if “serious safety concerns” were discovered. Due to SummerStage cancelling Kehlani’s performance, their license will remain intact.

NME has contacted Kehlani’s team for comment.

Following the cancellation of Kehlani’s Cornell University gig, the singer shared a post on social media addressing the matter: “I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men women… that’s what I’m anti.”

“If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism. Don’t make it anti-Jew. This is a played out game. All this because we want people to stop dying.”

Her address came after an email from Cornell University president Michael I. Kotlikoff to its students was leaked to the media. In his email, Kotlikoff wrote that the booking of the singer had “injected division and discord” at Cornell, due to her making what were felt to be “antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments.”

According to Kotlikoff, the rescinding of Kehlani’s invite to perform comes after students and members of “the community” voiced their anger and confusion “that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media.” His decision to cancel her performance was made after spending “days talking privately with many students”.

Kehlani has long been vocal and public about her support of Palestine over the years. In 2024, she released a music vide for ‘Next 2 U’, in which she appeared in front of Palestinian flags and wore a suit stitched with keffiyeh scarf materials. The video also included the words “long live the intifada”, which is often chanted at protests over the Gaza-Israel war.

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