Kehlani Central Park Pride Show Canceled Over “Security Concerns” From Mayor’s Office

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The SummerStage has called off Kehlani’s forthcoming Central Park Pride concert under the influence of Mayor Eric Adams’ office, which raised “security concerns” due to the artist’s pro-Palestine views, similar to the reason behind Cornell University canceling a performance of hers last week.

In a letter sent to Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation, New York’s First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro expressed concerns about the safety of the planned event, considering the recent controversy surrounding Kehlani’s concert cancellation at Cornell University, the security measures necessary for such an event in Central Park, and the citywide security needs during the same period for other Pride events.

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In a letter to Heather Lubov of City Parks Foundation, New York’s First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro highlighted safety issues regarding the upcoming event, taking into account Kehlani’s canceled performance at Cornell University due to controversy, the security requirements for an event like this in Central Park, and the city’s heightened security needs during the same period for other Pride events.

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In a letter to Heather Lubov of City Parks Foundation, New York’s First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro voiced his worries about the safety aspects of the upcoming event, considering the controversy surrounding Kehlani’s concert at Cornell University that led to its cancellation, the security measures required for such an event in Central Park, and the increased security demands throughout the city during the same period for other Pride events.

In his letter, Mastro cautioned that Kehlani’s show might potentially pose a threat to the Parks Foundation’s other SummerStage events as well. He stated that “if the Foundation doesn’t act quickly to ensure public safety, the City retains all possible actions and legal recourses regarding the Foundation’s license.

On Monday, Lubov responded to Mastro, confirming that the event had indeed been called off. In a statement issued Monday afternoon, SummerStage expressed their commitment to artistic freedom while also emphasizing the priority they place on the safety and security of their attendees and performers. Given the concerns raised by the mayor’s office, they decided to cancel the concert.

SummerStage is delighted to serve as a global stage for various artists, offering art experiences in local parks across New York City,” stated the Parks Foundation. “Although performers might personally voice their perspectives, these opinions may not align with the festival itself. The goal of SummerStage events is to foster unity within the diverse New York City community, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming more visitors throughout the summer.

Kehlani has been open about her advocacy for Palestine, as demonstrated by her actions in a music video for her 2024 song “Next 2 U.” In this video, Kehlani danced and sang while displaying a Palestinian flag, and the video ended with a statement about remembering the names of countless children who perished in Gaza. The video’s opening contained the message “long live the intifada,” which some organizations like the American Jewish Committee consider to be anti-Semitic.

According to Billboard’s report, following the cancellation of the Cornell concert, Kehlani shared a video on Instagram to clarify that she is neither antisemitic nor hostile towards Jews.

Kehlani expressed her opposition to genocide, condemned certain actions taken by the Israeli government, and spoke out against the elimination of an entire group of people,” she stated. She shared this sentiment on Instagram after learning about the canceled Central Park show on Monday.

Kehlani expressed that she’s firmly rooted in her reason for being, her work, her creativity, and her impact,” she penned. “Getting back to this album soon. See you in Los Angeles this weekend.

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2025-05-06 03:24