• Kehlani’s Pride concert in Central Park was canceled after NYC officials raised safety and political concerns. Many fans were disappointed as they anticipated attending Kehlani Central Park.
• The decision followed backlash over her support for Palestinians and a previously canceled show at Cornell, causing further disappointment for those who planned to see Kehlani Central Park.
• The cancelation sparked criticism from free speech advocates and ignited debate over artistic expression and censorship in light of Kehlani Central Park cancelation.

Kehlani’s upcoming Pride concert in New York City will no longer happen. The show was planned for June 26 in Central Park. Organizers billed it as “Pride with Kehlani.” It was part of the SummerStage series, a yearly set of free concerts held in parks across the city. Kehlani, known for her hit “After Hours,” was set to headline the event. On Monday, the City Parks Foundation shared the news of the cancelation. They explained that New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office raised concerns about safety. As a result, they decided to cancel the show. The news about the Kehlani Central Park concert spread quickly among her fans.

Mayor Adams’ Office Raised Security Concerns

The mayor’s office warned about possible safety risks. They mentioned issues related to Kehlani’s canceled concert at Cornell University. That event also faced backlash and got dropped last month. The city also faces high security demands during Pride events in June. These concerns led to more pressure on organizers. In a public statement, the City Parks Foundation said they support all forms of artistic expression. But they also said safety matters most. Because of that, they decided to cancel the show.

Kehlani Found Out on Instagram and Reacted

Kehlani seemed surprised by the cancelation. She learned about it online. She posted the news on her Instagram Stories with a “lol” and added a selfie. On the photo, she wrote, “I just found that one out on Instagram by the way.” Her fans quickly reacted, many showing support. So far, her team has not responded to media requests. Still, Kehlani’s post made it clear she had no warning before the announcement.

Cornell University Also Dropped Kehlani’s Show

Cornell University had planned for Kehlani to perform on May 7. The concert was part of their Slope Day celebration. But the university canceled the event after strong reactions. School leaders said the event caused division on campus. They said Kehlani’s appearance might threaten the peaceful spirit of the celebration. After the cancelation, Kehlani defended herself and spoke out.

Kehlani Denied All Claims of Antisemitism

Kehlani responded to critics with a video on Instagram. She said, “I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew.” She added, “I am anti-genocide. I am against the actions of the Israeli government. I oppose the bombing of innocent children, women, and men.” Kehlani made it clear she supports peace. She said she stands with people who suffer. She wanted to speak her truth and fight false accusations.

Kehlani Shows Support for Palestinians in Her Art

Kehlani has shown strong support for Palestinians. Her music video “Next 2 U” starts with the words “long live the intifada.” The video also features dancers waving Palestinian flags. These messages have stirred controversy. Some people say “intifada” promotes violence. Others see it as a symbol of resistance and freedom. Kehlani’s art continues to reflect her views on global issues.

Critics and Politicians Add More Pressure

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from the Bronx, also criticized Kehlani. He posted on X (formerly Twitter). He said the city should not “subsidize or sanitize antisemitism at taxpayer expense.” His words added more political pressure to the issue. He made it clear he did not support Kehlani performing at a city-funded event.

PEN America Speaks Out Against Cancelation

PEN America, a group that protects artistic freedom, criticized the cancelation. They called it “cowardly.” They said elected officials should not control what artists can say. PEN America warned that politicians are trying to limit free speech. They said when governments silence artists, no one wins. The group defended Kehlani’s right to express her views.

Safety Demands Prompt Final Decision

The City Parks Foundation stressed safety above all else. They mentioned the growing security demands during Pride Month. They also pointed to the ongoing conflict around Kehlani’s public image. With so much pressure from different sides, they made the final call to cancel. The organization repeated that they support artists. But they must protect audiences and performers.

Cancelation Sparks Bigger Debate About Free Speech

The cancelation has sparked a national debate. Some people say the city acted to keep people safe. Others say it’s a case of silencing voices. The incident raises bigger questions. Can artists speak freely about global conflicts? Should politicians influence who gets to perform? Kehlani’s canceled concert at Kehlani Central Park has become a flashpoint in a much larger conversation.