Kehlani Fires Back After Being Dropped As Concert Headliner Over 'Antisemitic' Sentiments

American singer Kehlani has responded after Cornell University dropped her as the headliner for its Slope Day Concert.

Kehlani was billed to headline the concert, which celebrates the institution's end of classes. However, the school's president announced the decision to drop the singer, claiming her selection "injected division and discord."

Kehlani has always been outspoken about the violence in Palestine and has continuously slammed Israel via her music and social media posts.

After being dropped as the headliner of the Cornell University Slope Day Concert, Kehlani posted a video on social media to clarify that she is not anti-Semitic.

In the clip, Kehlani said, "As I sit here and am working on my album, and I just so happen to be in the presence of my Jewish and Palestinian best friend and my Jewish engineer."

She referred to two ladies in the background who were with her at the beginning of the video.

Kehlani continued, "I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not anti-Semitic nor anti-Jew."

The singer stressed that she is "anti-genocide" or "anti the actions of the Israeli government." She added, "I am anti an extermination of an entire people. I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women. That's what I am anti."

Kehlani also said, "In fact, the very first lives that I did in the beginning of this genocide was with a really beautiful Jewish organization called Jewish Voices for Peace and I still continue to learn from and work alongside really impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide."

The 30-year-old singer reaffirmed her strong belief that a higher purpose guides her life. She said, "I want to be very clear in stating that I do believe God has plans for me and that's not gonna stop nothing that I have going on."

However, she acknowledged that she had to address the wrong notion about her that seemed to undermine her career and silence her voice, noting, "I am asked to clarify because this keeps coming up as a means to silence me, as a means to stop things that happen in my career, as a means to change the course of my life, and I just don't believe that."

Kehlani offered a direct response to those demanding clarity, making it clear that she had good intentions.

She said, "So here's the clarification that you needed. I hope this is everything you needed. Straight from my mouth, not a written statement with a white background from my notes. This is straight from me. You can see my face saying it."

The "Distraction" singer concluded, "So, here you go, back to my album!"

In the caption to her video post, Kehlani spoke about Cornell University's decision to drop her and recalled several cancellations she has experienced in the past due to her outspokenness.

She said, "ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR. From day one it's been clear. I know you've seen Cornell University cancelled my show, and now there are attempts at other cancellations on top of the cancellations I've already experienced over the past year."

Kehlani continued, "If you want to cancel me from opportunity, stand on it being because of your zionism. Don’t make it anti-Jew. This a played out game."

She concluded, "All this because we want people to stop dying. I hope this helps. I'm over written statements and notes app. Let's be real. Also my Jew friend flex was SATIRE & SARCASM. Love my girlies."

Kehlani's statement came after Cornell University dropped her from headlining its Slope Day Concert.

The university's president, Michael I. Kotlikoff, announced the decision to drop the Grammy nominee in a letter dated April 23, 2005.

Kotlikoff said, "Slope Day is a cherished tradition at Cornell — a time for our community to come together to celebrate the end of classes. For decades, student leaders have taken the helm in organizing this event, hiring performers they hope will appeal to the student body."

He added, "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."

Kotlikoff revealed that there had been "grave concerns from our community" since Kehlani was announced as the concert's headliner, adding that "many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media."

He continued, "While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community, not dividing it."

The university president shared that he had spent the past few days having private conversations with many students regarding Slope Day.

He explained, "I also spoke with the student Slope Day Programming Board, who agree that this selection has compromised what is meant to be an inclusive event. Going forward, we will work together to revise the process for researching and selecting performers for this important annual event.

Kotlikoff admitted that reactions to the decision to drop Kehlani would be mixed, but stressed his belief that "it is the right thing to do and the decision I must make to ensure community and safety at this high-profile event that reaches the entire campus."

He concluded, "Cornell is an institution where 'any person can find instruction in any study,' and where every person should feel included at the signature social event of the year. I look forward to celebrating Slope Day together with all of you."