Kehlani, the American singer known for her pro-Palestinian activism, had her scheduled New York City concert at the Barclays Center canceled on May 5, 2025, following pressure from the mayor’s office. The decision, announced just 48 hours before the event, comes amid heightened scrutiny of the artist’s public stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has drawn both support and backlash in recent months.
The cancellation stemmed from concerns raised by Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which reportedly urged the venue to reconsider hosting Kehlani due to her outspoken criticism of Israel. Sources close to the mayor’s office indicated that the decision was influenced by fears of potential protests and public safety risks, given the polarized reactions to Kehlani’s activism. The singer had previously faced similar scrutiny when Cornell University rescinded her performance at an end-of-year concert in April 2025, citing her views as “anti-Israel” and potentially divisive. Kehlani’s recent social media posts, where she expressed solidarity with Palestinians and criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza, appear to have reignited the controversy leading to the NYC cancellation.
A spokesperson for the Barclays Center confirmed the cancellation, stating, “After careful consideration and discussions with local authorities, we have decided to cancel the upcoming Kehlani concert to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.” The mayor’s office, while not directly addressing the cancellation, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to public safety, saying, “We work closely with event organizers to mitigate risks, especially during times of heightened tensions.” Kehlani, in response, took to social media, writing, “They can cancel my shows, but they can’t silence my voice—I stand for justice, not division.”
The incident reflects broader tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the wake of renewed violence in the region. Since the Israel-Hamas conflict flared up again in March 2025, public discourse in the U.S. has grown increasingly polarized, with artists and public figures facing scrutiny for their positions. Kehlani’s activism, which includes statements condemning what she has called a “genocide” in Gaza, has made her a target for criticism from pro-Israel groups, while earning her support from pro-Palestinian advocates. This is not the first time her performances have been affected; her Cornell cancellation in April sparked debates about free speech and censorship, with some accusing the university of bowing to pressure from donors and others praising the move as a stand against perceived anti-Semitism.
Public reaction to the NYC cancellation has been sharply divided, as seen in posts on X. Some users expressed outrage, with one writing, “Canceling Kehlani’s concert is just another way to silence voices for Palestine—this is censorship.” Others supported the decision, with a user stating, “Kehlani’s rhetoric is divisive; the mayor did the right thing to avoid trouble.” Industry observers note that the cancellation could set a precedent for other artists, with one music executive anonymously telling Variety, “Venues are becoming cautious about booking acts with strong political stances, especially on issues as contentious as this.”
The cancellation has immediate consequences for fans, many of whom had purchased tickets months in advance, with some reporting losses of up to $200 on non-refunded fees. Economically, the move impacts the Barclays Center, which expected a sold-out show generating over $1 million in revenue, according to industry estimates. For Kehlani, the cancellation adds to a series of setbacks, potentially affecting her tour schedule and public image, though her core fanbase appears to remain loyal. Broader implications include a chilling effect on artists’ willingness to speak out on political issues, as the risk of cancellations grows amid heightened scrutiny.
Moving forward, the situation remains unresolved. Kehlani has not announced plans to reschedule the NYC concert, though she hinted at alternative ways to connect with fans, possibly through virtual events. The mayor’s office has not indicated whether similar actions will be taken for other artists with controversial views, but the precedent has raised concerns among free speech advocates. Meanwhile, the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict continues to shape cultural and political debates in the U.S., with no clear resolution in sight. As tensions persist, the intersection of art, activism, and public policy will likely remain a contentious space, with Kehlani’s experience serving as a flashpoint in the broader discourse.
