Thirteen New York City Council members are urging the City Parks Foundation to reinstate Kehlani‘s canceled headlining set at SummerStage concerts, calling the move a troubling act of censorship.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Council Members Tiffany Cabán and Dr. Nantasha Williams, joined by 11 colleagues, condemned the cancellations of Kehlani’s Pride performance and Noname’s Juneteenth show. They argue the decisions were politically motivated, tied to the artists’ public support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The councilmembers warned that silencing these voices undermines both free speech and the city’s cultural identity. They pledged public support if the Foundation reverses course, but so far, the organization has not indicated any change in stance.
Kehlani’s June 26 performance was pulled after the Mayor’s Office raised security concerns, citing backlash from Cornell University’s earlier cancellation of the singer’s campus show. Officials also pointed to broader safety demands during citywide Pride events. The day before the cancellation, Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro told the Foundation that a negative NYPD assessment could put their public park license at risk.
Kehlani, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, included Palestinian flags and the phrase “long live the intifada” in her “Next 2 U” video. In response to accusations of antisemitism after Cornell’s cancellation, she stated on social media, “I am anti-genocide … anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women — that’s what I’m anti.”
Noname, who also supports Palestinian liberation, signed the “Musicians for Palestine” pledge and has called for a cultural boycott of Israel. Her June 18 concert was also canceled. According to the City Parks Foundation, that decision came from Noname and Live Nation. Neither party has commented publicly.
City Hall denied influencing the cancellations beyond raising safety concerns. Mayor Eric Adams’ press secretary, Kayla Mamelak, said Adams was “deeply disturbed” by Kehlani’s past remarks but emphasized the Foundation made the final call.
Cabán and Williams reject that defense, accusing City Hall of hiding behind public safety to suppress dissent. “This isn’t about safety,” Williams said. “It’s about silencing artists of color who speak truth.”
The letter was also signed by Council Members Diana Ayala, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Alexa Avilés, Shahana Hanif, Carmen De La Rosa, Lincoln Restler, Carlina Rivera, Chi Ossé, Justin Brannan, Sandy Nurse, and Rita Joseph.
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