Kehlani’s SummerStage show cancelled due to “security and safety issues”
Kehlani’s Cornell show was also recent cancelled.
Kehlani‘s SummerStage show, scheduled for June 26 and billed as “Pride with Kehlani,” has now been cancelled. SummerStage posted a message on social media about the cancellation, which reads:
We have been notified by the Mayor’s Office that they have concerns for security and safety issues regarding the June 26 Kehlani concert, produced and presented by Live Nation. Those concerns are due to the controversy surrounding Cornell University’s decision to cancel Kehlani’s concert at the University, as well as security demands in Central Park and throughout the City for other Pride events during that same time period.
We strongly and emphatically believe in artistic expression of all kinds. However, the safety and security of our guests and artists is of the utmost importance and in light of these concerns, the concert has been cancelled.
SummerStage is proud to be a platform for artists from around the world to perform and make arts accessible for all New Yorkers in their neighborhood parks. While artists may choose to express their own opinions, their views may not necessarily be representative of the festival. SummerStage events are intended to bring together all sectors of the New York City community and we look forward to welcoming more guests throughout the summer.
According to New York Post, the Adams administration sent a letter to the City Parks Foundation threatening to pull the license for this year’s full SummerStage series if Kehlani’s show wasn’t cancelled.
In her Instagram stories, Kehlani wrote, “they canceled this one too,” adding, “I just found that one out on Instagram by the way.” In another story, she wrote, “I’m so deeply grounded in my purpose, my mission, my art, my contribution. Back to this album. See you this weekend LA!”
In April, Kehlani’s scheduled performance at Cornell’s spring concert, Slope Day, was also cancelled. University president Michael I. Kotlikoff wrote:
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.
In a video response, Kehlani said, “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 am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women. That’s what I’m anti.”
A statement from SummerStage. pic.twitter.com/dtpw4N0kAR
— SummerStage (@SummerStage) May 5, 2025
