Kehlani’s scheduled headlining performance at Central Park’s SummerStage Pride concert has been canceled amid what organizers cite as “security and safety concerns” raised by New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office.
The announcement, made on Monday, May 5, follows closely on the heels of a similar cancellation by Cornell University, citing controversy over the singer’s public support for Palestine.
The Pride With Kehlani benefit show was slated for June 26 as part of New York City’s annual Pride festivities. But SummerStage revealed via Instagram that the event had been pulled from the lineup due to city-level concerns about potential risks surrounding the event.
“We have been notified by the Mayor’s Office that they have concerns for security and safety issues,” the statement read. “Those concerns are due to the controversy surrounding Cornell University’s decision to cancel Kehlani’s concert… as well as security demands in Central Park and throughout the City for other Pride events during that same period.”
The festival added that it “strongly and emphatically believe[s] in artistic expression,” but stated that safety was the top priority.
“While artists may choose to express their opinions, their views may not necessarily be representative of the festival,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Kehlani’s show remains listed on Central Park’s online schedule, causing some confusion among fans.
The artist themselves seemed caught off guard. Posting a selfie on Instagram Stories, Kehlani wrote: “I just found that one out on Instagram by the way.” In a separate post, they added, “Back to this album. See you this weekend LA!”
The decision to remove Kehlani from the Pride celebration comes less than two weeks after Cornell University canceled the R\&B singer’s Slope Day appearance, citing concerns over Kehlani’s pro-Palestinian views. In a university-wide email obtained by The New York Times, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff stated the school had discovered that Kehlani had “espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos and on social media.”
Kehlani responded publicly, saying in a video statement, “I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew… I am anti-genocide, anti-the actions of the Israeli government, anti-the bombing of innocent children, men, women—that’s what I’m anti.”
Throughout the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Kehlani has been one of the most prominent American artists vocalizing support for Palestine. Their 2024 “Next 2 U” music video featured Palestinian flags and dancers wearing kaffiyehs. They also signed the 2023 Artists Against Apartheid letter alongside other artists.
The controversy surrounding the cancellations has sparked debates online about the intersection of free speech, public safety, and the limits of political expression in entertainment spaces—especially during highly visible events like Pride.
Kehlani, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, has long been an outspoken figure in both LGBTQ+ and activist circles. Despite the setbacks, they remain undeterred, focusing on new music and upcoming performances.
“I’m so deeply grounded in my purpose, my mission, my art, my contribution,” they posted.
