Kehlani

After Cornell University canceled her ramp show, Kehlani made anti-Semitism allegations citing her concerns about Palestinian radicalism.

Kehlani defended her pro-Palestinian activism and rejected the anti-Semitism charges after Cornell University’s headlines planned for Slope Day event on May 7.

The R&B artist who used her/their pronoun responded in a Tiktok video, standing next to her Jewish-Palestine best friend and Jewish studio engineer, said firmly: “I was asked and called for clarification and made a statement again and again at Millionaire Time, I am not anti-Semitic and anti-Jewish.”

She continued: “I am against the proletariat, I am against the actions of the Israeli government, I am against the extermination of the entire people, I am against the innocent children, men, women, women – that’s the bombing I am against.”

Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff sent an email to students and faculty to inform them that the university canceled Kehlani’s appearance after receiving “serious concerns” from the community.

He cited what she called “protective anti-Semitism, anti-Israel sentiment” in social media and her music videos.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2023, Kelani has been outspoken in support of Palestine.

She pointed to her peaceful cooperation with the Jewish Voice, a progressive Jewish organization that advocates Palestinian rights.

Kehlani wrote in the caption of her Tiktok post: “It’s been a year. From day one, it’s obvious. I know you’ve seen Cornell cancel my performance and now in other cancellations that have been canceled in the past year, I’ve tried what I’ve experienced in the past year…Don’t be anti-Semitic.

Kehlani was clearly supporting Palestine by performing in front of the Palestinian flag in her 2024 song “Next 2 U”.

Despite Kehlani’s absence from the roster, Cornell’s Slope Day event is still scheduled for May 7.

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