Kehlani Dropped From Cornell University Performance Over Pro-Palestine Views, President Cites ‘Division & Discord’

Kehlani Dropped From Cornell University Performance Over Pro-Palestine Views, President Cites ‘Division & Discord’

Kehlani’s performance at Cornell University has been canceled after backlash over her pro-Palestine stance.

The singer was set to headline Slope Day, Cornell’s annual end-of-year celebration, but university president Michael I. Kotlikoff said the school is pulling her from the lineup due to what some felt were “antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments.”

Kotlikoff expressed,

“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.”

 

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The university said the decision followed complaints about Kehlani’s “anti-Israel sentiments” in her performances and online. Her “Next 2 U” music video, released earlier this year, featured Palestinian flags, dancers in keffiyehs, and the phrase “Long Live the Intifada.” The YouTube description also links to an Al Jazeera article naming over 16,000 children reportedly killed by Israel since October 2023.

Kehlani has not publicly responded.

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[VIA]