A group of 13 New York City Council members is pushing back against what they describe as a troubling act of censorship after the City Parks Foundation canceled Kehlani’s headlining SummerStage performance. The lawmakers are demanding that the Foundation reinstate Kehlani’s June 26 Pride show, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the political suppression of pro-Palestinian voices.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, Council Members Tiffany Cabán and Dr. Nantasha Williams, along with 11 other colleagues, expressed strong disapproval of the Foundation’s decision to cancel performances by both Kehlani and Noname. They believe the cancellations were not based on safety, as officials have claimed, but were instead politically motivated, triggered by the artists’ outspoken support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Freedom of Speech or Political Suppression?
The lawmakers argue that these cancellations reflect an alarming trend of silencing artists, particularly artists of color, who voice solidarity with marginalized communities. “This isn’t about safety,” said Council Member Williams. “It’s about silencing artists of color who speak truth.”
The letter highlights that suppressing such voices undermines both freedom of speech and the rich cultural diversity that defines New York City. The council members pledged their full public support if the Foundation decides to reverse course and reinstate the shows.
So far, the City Parks Foundation has not responded publicly or indicated a willingness to revisit its decision.
Kehlani’s Show Pulled Ahead of NYC Pride
Kehlani’s SummerStage show, originally scheduled for June 26 during Pride Month, was canceled shortly after the Mayor’s Office flagged it over “security concerns.” Officials reportedly referred to Cornell University’s prior cancellation of Kehlani’s concert amid backlash over her political views. City Hall also cited broader safety challenges related to large-scale Pride events.
A day before the cancellation, Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro warned the City Parks Foundation that a negative NYPD safety assessment could jeopardize the Foundation’s license to operate public events in city parks
Kehlani’s Pro-Palestinian Advocacy Sparks Controversy
Kehlani has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian liberation, which critics claim borders on anti-Semitism. In her video for “Next 2 U,” she included Palestinian flags and the phrase “long live the intifada.” After her Cornell show was dropped, Kehlani took to social media to defend her stance:
“I am anti-genocide… anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women — that’s what I’m anti,” she wrote, clarifying her position.
Noname’s Juneteenth Show Also Canceled
Fellow artist Noname, who also supports Palestinian rights and signed the “Musicians for Palestine” pledge, had her June 18 Juneteenth concert canceled. The City Parks Foundation claimed the decision came from Noname and Live Nation, but neither party has issued a public statement. Noname has long called for a cultural boycott of Israel.
City Hall Denies Political Pressure
City Hall insists that it did not pressure the Foundation into canceling the shows beyond raising legitimate public safety concerns. However, Mayor Eric Adams’ press secretary, Kayla Mamelak, noted the mayor was “deeply disturbed” by Kehlani’s past remarks but maintained that the final decision rested with the City Parks Foundation.
Who Signed the Letter?
In addition to Cabán and Williams, the letter was signed by:
- Diana Ayala
- Jennifer Gutiérrez
- Alexa Avilés
- Shahana Hanif
- Carmen De La Rosa
- Lincoln Restler
- Carlina Rivera
- Chi Ossé
- Justin Brannan
- Sandy Nurse
- Rita Joseph
The Council members concluded by reaffirming their support for artistic freedom, and emphasized the need for New York City’s public platforms to remain inclusive spaces for diverse, and sometimes dissenting, voices.
