Latest news with #Kotlikoff
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Cornell cancels Kehlani gig over pro-Palestine stance
Cornell University has cancelled a planned performance by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani after a wave of backlash surrounding her vocal support for Palestine. The decision was announced by university president Michael I Kotlikoff, who cited concerns over what he described as the artist's "antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments," stating that the booking had "injected division and discord" on campus, reported The Guardian. Kehlani was slated to headline Slope Day, an annual end-of-year celebration at the Ivy League school in upstate New York. In a public statement, Kotlikoff said he had received "grave concerns" from members of the Cornell community, many of whom were "angry, hurt, and confused" by the artist's inclusion in the lineup. While Kotlikoff acknowledged that Kehlani, like all artists, has the right to express political views, he insisted that Slope Day was "about uniting our community, not dividing it." The 29-year-old artist has been outspoken in her pro-Palestine advocacy. In 2024, she released the song Next 2 U accompanied by a video featuring Palestinian flags, keffiyeh-style clothing, and the phrase "long live the intifada", a statement that has sparked controversy due to its association with Palestinian resistance movements. In addition to the video, Kehlani posted strongly worded statements on social media, including a video in May 2024 in which she said, "F*ck Israel, f*ck Zionism." She also released limited-edition T-shirts made in Palestine to raise funds for Operation Olive Branch, a grassroots aid collective working in Gaza. Kehlani explained her motivations for the release in an Instagram post, quoting activist Toni Cade Bambara's phrase: "The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible." She admitted she was "terrified" to release the song but felt compelled to act in the face of what she described as "the most historical tragedies of our generation." Cornell's cancellation comes amid growing tensions on US college campuses over Israel's genocide in Gaza. Since October 2023, pro-Palestine protests have erupted at dozens of universities, prompting federal scrutiny. In March, the US Department of Education sent warning letters to 60 schools, including Cornell, urging them to protect Jewish students on campus. Kehlani's removal is the second major live music controversy this week. Irish rap group Kneecap also drew fire at Coachella after displaying anti-Israel messages during their set. Their backdrop read "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "F*ck Israel. Free Palestine." As of now, Kehlani and her representatives have not issued a formal statement in response to Cornell's decision.
Los Angeles Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Kehlani loses Cornell concert: University president cites singer's ‘anti-Israel' sentiments
Cornell University has canceled a performance by R&B star Kehlani after complaints to the Ivy League school's president that she expressed antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments. Kehlani was scheduled to perform next month as the headliner at Slope Day, an annual celebration at the upstate New York school. But President Michael Kotlikoff said Wednesday he was rescinding the invitation because it has 'injected division and discord' into the May 7 event. '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,' Kotlikoff wrote in an open letter. 'While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.' Emails seeking comment were sent to Kehlani's representatives. Kehlani publicly supported Palestinians. She sings in front of a Palestinian flag in the 'Next 2 U' music video, which features the phrase 'long live the intifada' at its start. Intifada, an Arabic word for 'uprising' or 'resistance,' is seen by some as a call for violence against Jews. Cornell is among the many U.S. universities trying to navigate increased campus tensions since the war in Gaza, dealing with both pro-Palestinian demonstrations and accusations that antisemitism has been allowed to go unchecked. This month, the Trump administration froze more than $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell while the government investigates alleged civil rights violations. Kotlikoff said he conferred with event organizers and other students before dropping Kehlani. 'I understand that my decision will be celebrated by some and criticized by others,' Kotlikoff wrote. '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.' Hill writes for the Associated Press.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Oakland native Kehlani axed from Cornell concert for support of Gaza
(KRON) – R&B singer and Oakland native Kehlani was recently cut from Cornell University's Slope Day Concert due to their stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In a letter to students and faculty, the university's president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, said he heard 'grave concerns' regarding the singer's 'antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media.' Kehlani has been unwaveringly vocal in their support for Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In their 'Next 2 U' music video, Kehlani wore a Palestinian keffiyeh while performing in front of the Palestinian flag. Kehlani has also spoken in support of Gaza citizens in performances and interviews. UN food agency says its food stocks in Gaza have run out under Israel's blockade Kotlikoff explained his belief that rescinding Kehlani's invitation to the May 7 concert was the best course of action. '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,' Kotlikoff 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.' Last month, NPR reported that more than 50,000 Palestinian people have been killed since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack against Israel. In the attack, Hamas killed nearly 1,200 people and captured 251, according to NPR. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Singer Kehlani Removed from Cornell University Performance
In a shocking turn of events, Cornell University has opted to cancel the 'Nights Like This' singer Kehlani's upcoming concert on their campus. The update comes after the institution's president received several objections regarding the R&B artist's contentious opinions about antisemitism and the prolonged Israel-Palestine conflict. Here's everything you need to know regarding Cornell University's decision to drop Kehlani's forthcoming performance. Michael Kotlikoff, the president of Cornell University, explained in an open letter that he chose to cancel Kehlani's act as her anti-Israel sentiments seemingly 'injected division and discord' into the establishment's May 7 event. Kehlani had originally received an invitation to conduct a performance at the Ivy League school on Slope Day, an annual celebration held at the university. In his account regarding Kehlani's canceled concert at Cornell University, Kotlikoff noted, '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.' (via AP News) Kotlikoff further added that he consulted the concerned event organizers, as well as the student body, before dropping Kehlani's concert at Cornell University. He also wrote, '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.' Notably, Kehlani has always been extremely vocal about her support of Palestine in the West Asian nation's struggle against Israel. She famously sang in front of a Palestinian flag in the official music video of her hit single, 'Next 2 U.' Moreover, the video also featured the phrase, 'long live the intifada,' which translates to 'long live the resistance' in English. While many interpret the word 'intifada' as an appeal to incite violence against Jews, some say the phrase is just a call for liberation. Originally reported by Apoorv Rastogi on ComingSoon. The post Singer Kehlani Removed from Cornell University Performance appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Did Cornell University Drop Kehlani's Concert? Reason Explained
In a shocking turn of events, Cornell University has opted to cancel the 'Nights Like This' singer 's upcoming concert on their campus. The update comes after the institution's president received several objections regarding the R&B artist's contentious opinions about antisemitism and the prolonged Israel-Palestine conflict. Here's everything you need to know regarding Cornell University's decision to drop Kehlani's forthcoming performance. Michael Kotlikoff, the president of Cornell University, explained in an open letter that he chose to cancel Kehlani's act as her anti-Israel sentiments seemingly 'injected division and discord' into the establishment's May 7 event. Kehlani had originally received an invitation to conduct a performance at the Ivy League school on Slope Day, an annual celebration held at the university. In his account regarding Kehlani's canceled concert at Cornell University, Kotlikoff noted, '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.' (via AP News) Kotlikoff further added that he consulted the concerned event organizers, as well as the student body, before dropping Kehlani's concert at Cornell University. He also wrote, '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.' Notably, Kehlani has always been extremely vocal about her support of Palestine in the West Asian nation's struggle against Israel. She famously sang in front of a Palestinian flag in the official music video of her hit single, 'Next 2 U.' Moreover, the video also featured the phrase, 'long live the intifada,' which translates to 'long live the resistance' in English. While many interpret the word 'intifada' as an appeal to incite violence against Jews, some say the phrase is just a call for liberation. The post Why Did Cornell University Drop Kehlani's Concert? Reason Explained appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
