Kehlani is breaking her silence to finally put to rest the claims of her being “Antisemitic” and “Anti-Jew” after Cornell University cancels her performance for its Slope Day concert.
On April 11, Cornell University first announced that multi-Grammy Award-nominated artist Kehlani would be headlining its Slope Day concert on May 7. She became the first headliner announced since 2009. However, on April 23, the University’s President Michael I. Kotlikoff updates students about removing her from the bill over reported “antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments.”
Cornell University President Cancels Kehlani Concert Performance Over ‘Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Sentiments’
While addressing Cornell University students, President Michael I. Kotlikoff said:
“Dear Cornellians, Slope Day is a cherished tradition at Cornell — a time for our community to come together to celebrate the end of classes. For decades, student leaders have taken the helm in organizing this event, hiring performers they hope will appeal to the student body.
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.
In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media. While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it.
I have spent the last few days talking privately with many students about Slope Day, and I appreciate the candor they shared. I also spoke with the student Slope Day Programming Board, who agree that this selection has compromised what is meant to be an inclusive event. Going forward, we will work together to revise the process for researching and selecting performers for this important annual event.
I understand that my decision will be celebrated by some and criticized by others. I believe it is the right thing to do and the decision I must make to ensure community and safety at this high-profile event that reaches the entire campus. Cornell is an institution where “any person can find instruction in any study,” and where every person should feel included at the signature social event of the year. I look forward to celebrating Slope Day together with all of you. Sincerely, President Michael I. Kotlikoff.”
Kehlani Issues Statement After Cornell University Cancels Performance Over ‘Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Sentiments’
Clarifying her position in the Israel and Palestine conflict, Kehlani posted a video on her social media on April 26. Over the video, she wrote, “I CAN’T BELIEVE I AM BEING ASKED TO SAY THIS AGAIN. I AM NOT ANTISEMITIC. I was asked to clarify this. Hope this helps :).” While further clarifying her stance in the Israel and Palestine conflict, Kehlani said:
“As I sit here and I’m working on my album—and I just so happen to be in the presence of my Jewish and Palestinian best friend and my Jewish engineer—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. I am Anti-Genocide. I am Anti-The-Actions-Of-The-Israeli-Government. I am Anti-An-Extermination-Of-An-Entire-People. I’m Anti-The-Bombing-Of-Innocent-Children-Men-Women. That’s what I’m Anti.
In fact, the very first live that I did in the beginning of this genocide was with a really beautiful Jewish organization called, Jewish Voices for Peace. And I still continue to learn from and work alongside really impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide.
I want to be very clear in stating that I do believe God has plans for me and that’s not going to stop nothing that I have going on. But, I’m asked to clarify because this keeps coming up as a means to silence. 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. So, here’s the clarification that you needed. I hope this is everything you needed, straight from my mouth—not a written statement with a white background from my notes. This is straight from me, you can see my face saying it. So, here you go. Back to my album.”
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