Cornell University has reportedly cancelled singer Kehlani’s scheduled concert appearance on campus, due to her disapproval of Israel’s war in Gaza.
The young talent had been booked for the University’s ‘Slope Day’, an annual spring concert which celebrates the final days of undergraduate classes.
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However, officials later sent a notification to students, announcing their decision to cancel the Destruction singer’s invitation to entertain the students.
Michael Kotlikoff, the University’s President, in an email to students, wrote: “Slope Day is a cherished tradition at Cornell—a time for our community to come together to celebrate the end of classes.
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“For decades, student leaders have taken the helm in organizing this event, hiring performers they hope will appeal to the student body,” the university’s president wrote in an email to students that was posted online.
“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,” he stated.
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The University President explained that Kehlani’s announcement as headline artiste for the event had generated grave concerns from the University community.
He noted that some people were “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.”
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“While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it,” the release added.
Reports indicate that Kehlani had long opposed Israel’s war in Gaza and shown support for Palestinians. Israel’s war on Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israelis.
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A ceasefire between both countries ended in March, as Israel accused Hamas of violating the terms of the agreement.
Some pro-Israel students were said to have launched a petition against the selection of Kehlani not long after she was announced for ‘Slope Day.’ They cited issues with some of her social media posts and a music video, which supposedly supported periods of Palestine’s rebellion and uprising against Israelis.
