Kehlani speaks out on Cornell University cancellation: ‘I'm not antisemitic'

Yahoo

28-04-2025

Grammy-nominated singer Kehlani is addressing her scheduled performance being pulled from Cornell University's annual Slope Day celebration.
'As I sit here and I'm working on my album, and I just so happen to be in the presence of my Jewish and Palestinian best friend and my Jewish engineer, 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.' Kehlani explained in a video on Instagram.
She then clarified that she is 'anti-genocide,' 'anti the actions of the Israeli government,' 'anti an extermination of an entire people,' 'anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women.'
The 'After Hours' singer then explained that in the wake of the recent conflict, she did numerous live videos online with the organization Jewish Voices for Peace. She said she continues 'to learn from and work alongside really impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide.'
The five-time Grammy nominee said she felt the need to define her stance because the request keeps coming up.
'I want to be very clear in stating that I do believe God has plans for me and that's not going to stop nothing that I have going on,' she continued. 'But I'm asked to clarify because this keeps coming up as a means to silence me, as a means to stop things that happen in my career, as a means to change the course of my life, and I just don't believe that. So here's the clarification that you needed. I hope this is everything you needed, straight from my mouth, not a written statement with a white background from my notes. This is straight from me.'
Kehlani's message comes just days after Cornell President, Michael I. Kotlikoff, issued a letter to students claiming that her planned performance had 'injected division and discord' into the annual event. She was set to be the headliner for the May 7 yearly spring festival.
'For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani's invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly,' he explained. 'In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media. While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.'
Before making his decision, Kotlikoff said he spoke with students about the event and the student Slope Day Programming Board.
'I understand that my decision will be celebrated by some and criticized by others. I believe it is the right thing to do and the decision I must make to ensure community and safety at this high-profile event that reaches the entire campus,' he continued. 'Cornell is an institution where 'any person can find instruction in any study,' and where every person should feel included at the signature social event of the year.'
Moving forward, Kotlikoff said the process for researching and selecting performances for Slope Day will be revised.
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