"I am anti-genocide": Kehlani responds to Cornell University cancelling her performance

Kehlani's Cornell University concert, which was about to take place, was canceled on April 23. The university had cited issues of division in the campus community as the cause of the cancellation. The reason was Kehlani's remarks on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which the University had described as "anti-Israel" and "antisemitic".

Billboard reported that, in a video reply uploaded to Instagram on Saturday (April 26), Kehlani said,

"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.”

She continued,

“I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women — that’s what I’m anti.”

She underlined that she is opposing violence and injustice and not a particular group or religion, and invoked peace and justice.

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The remarks and outrage

According to The Independent, the controversy began with Kehlani’s comments made on social media, which included phrases such as “F*** Israel,” “F*** Zionism,” “Long live the Intifada,” and “Dismantle Israel”. These remarks drew criticism as some deemed them antisemitic and anti-Israel, earning public outrage.

Her remarks reportedly drew so much division within society that the cancellation of the concert became necessary, as was announced by the university.

In a released statement posted on the university website and distributed to students via email, Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff announced that Kehlani would not be invited to perform at the concert, also known as "Slope Day".

According to The Independent, the statement explained,

"Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani as this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day, For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani’s invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly."

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Cornell University's decision: Community concerns

Cornell University’s decision to cancel the performance was based on concerns raised by various members of the university community, including students and faculty, regarding the impact of Kehlani’s statements.

As per pen.org, in an official statement, the university reasserted its commitment to the provision of a safe and welcoming community, making reference to "division and discord" induced by the statements. The university clarified that the cancellation was not a matter of free speech but one of community cohesion and safety.

According to JNS.org and The Independent, the university stated that the decision was made to protect the well-being of all students and to prevent any further tension within the campus community.

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Kehlani’s clarification: "I Am Anti-Genocide"

Kehlani reacted to the cancellation by coming out publicly with a social media statement. She denied being antisemitic and clarified that she is "anti-genocide," not opposed to anyone as a specific group of people. She informed that she opposed the policies of the Israeli government, notably in terms of violence and human rights violations.

In her testimony, Kehlani also expressed solidarity with Jewish individuals and communities, emphasizing that she has Jewish friends and allies. She reasserted that her comments were not against Jewish people but against the actions of the Israeli government.

According to Billboard, she stated,

"I want to be very clear in stating that I do believe God has plans for me and that’s not gonna stop nothing that I have going on, 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."

Kehlani's comment was a bid to deflect the controversy and explain her intent behind previous comments.

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Kehlani's Cornell University performance cancellation came as a consequence of outrage against her comments over the Israel-Palestine issue. The university, as the reason, gave concerns for dividing and tearing apart the community, but Kehlani explained her stand as "anti-genocide" rather than being antisemitic.

The affair has renewed debate about the boundaries of free speech, the role of universities as arbiters of contentious speech, and the nuances of debating contentious political issues under the public spotlight.

Also read: Why is Cornell University under fire for inviting Kehlani as a concert headliner? Complete drama explained