Kehlani Concert in Central Park Is Canceled After Pressure From Mayor

The SummerStage concerts organized by the nonprofit group have been in the spotlight recently due to the cancellation of a Central Park performance by R&B singer Kehlani. This decision was made under pressure from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

The City Parks Foundation, the group behind the concerts, received a warning from a top New York City official, First Deputy Mayor Randy M. Mastro, regarding security concerns raised by the planned show. The concert, titled “Pride With Kehlani,” was scheduled to be part of the city’s Pride festivities on June 26.

Unlike Cornell University officials who cited Kehlani’s views on Israel and antisemitism when canceling her performance at their campus concert, the city official did not mention the singer’s personal opinions. Instead, the concerns were based on the controversy surrounding the scheduled Cornell performance and the security demands posed by such events in Central Park.

In a letter to the foundation’s executive director, Mr. Mastro mentioned that the police would conduct a security assessment of the concert. If public safety was deemed at risk, there could be implications for the future of SummerStage. The series has been running since 1986.

The foundation later announced the cancellation of the show based on the concerns raised by Mr. Mastro. Although the statement did not mention the potential threat to the SummerStage license, it emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of guests and artists.

The cancellation was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the decision for prioritizing public safety, while others criticized it as an infringement on artistic expression. The free expression group PEN America labeled the cancellation as “cowardly.”

The statement mentioned that the concert was being produced by Live Nation, but the company did not provide any comment on the situation. Tickets for the show were still available for purchase at the time of the announcement.

A spokeswoman for Mayor Adams expressed gratitude for the cancellation of the concert and looked forward to other performances lined up for the summer.

Kehlani, known for her pro-Palestinian stance, has faced backlash for her views on Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. Despite the cancellation of the Central Park concert, the singer remained focused on her music and upcoming projects.

In a music video released in 2024, Kehlani’s support for Palestine was evident with dancers waving Palestinian flags in the background. Following the controversy, the singer clarified her stance on social media, emphasizing that she is not antisemitic but against the actions of the Israeli government.

Despite the setback, Kehlani remained positive and focused on her music, expressing her dedication to her art and upcoming projects. The cancellation of the concert did not deter her spirit as she looked ahead to future endeavors.