Grammy-nominated artist Kehlani broke their silence in a powerful and emotionally raw Instagram Live video that is now going viral after recent controversy surrounding their pro-Palestinian statements led to a string of performance cancellations.
The livestream, which was captured and reshared by activist Chaka Zulu (@Chakabars), offers an unfiltered look into the singer’s grief, frustration, and fury at what they call the “disorienting” silence and abandonment from peers in the entertainment industry.
The clip follows the cancellation of “Pride with Kehlani,” a Central Park event scheduled for June, after New York City Mayor Eric Adams reportedly threatened to revoke the organizer’s live music permit unless Kehlani was removed from the lineup.
A previous appearance at Cornell University’s annual Slope Day was also scrapped over accusations of antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment tied to Kehlani’s vocal support for Palestinians and the inclusion of Palestinian imagery in the 2024 music video Next 2 U.
This Is Going to Be in History Books
In the now widely shared livestream, Kehlani didn’t hold back:
“This is going to be in history books. This is going to be something that is referenced for the rest of f***ing forever. This is not small. This is not light,” they said.
Visibly upset, Kehlani addressed what they perceive as hypocrisy and abandonment by fellow artists and influencers with major platforms.
“You watch my stories and you like my posts… and you reach out for features… and you ask me to do this and this or whatever the f. Stop. The respect—any ounce of effing respect—it’s gone,” they said.
Kehlani called out what they describe as industry disorientation and moral cowardice from peers “who have already beat the f***ing game” but who refuse to speak up in solidarity”
“Nothing we do has a effing purpose without people. And you can’t turn the effing reach back for people? You can’t? Disgusting.”
A Message Rooted in Collective Care
Just hours earlier, Kehlani posted a reflective and heartfelt note on Instagram expressing grief, disconnection, and the need for community:
“The world feels unwell, people feel unwell. We need each other a lot… in real tangible ways,” they wrote, urging followers to nourish themselves with hobbies, friendships, accountability, and connection with nature. “It’s an angel on my back that won’t let up about love.”
While their tone between the two posts shifts dramatically—from tender introspection to righteous anger—both reflect a call to action: to care, to show up, and to speak out.
Industry and Political Backlash
The cancellations stem from Kehlani’s visible alignment with Palestinian solidarity movements. The Next 2 U video, which opened with a verse from Palestinian American poet Hala Alyan and featured dancers waving Palestinian flags, has been at the center of the backlash.
University and city officials claim the content and Kehlani’s public statements “espouse antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments,” allegations the artist has not directly addressed in the livestream but which appear to be part of the broader context of censorship and political pressure on pro-Palestinian artists.
Activists and fans argue that Kehlani is being punished for exercising free expression and taking a principled anti-genocide stance.
