In a recent development, Cornell University has rescinded its invitation to R&B singer Kehlani to headline its annual spring concert, following a wave of controversy over the artist's anti-Semitic remarks.
The Ivy League institution's President, Michael Kotlikoff, made the announcement on Wednesday, citing the singer's divisive influence on the event, known as Slope Day.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Kotlikoff stated that Kehlani's selection "has injected division and discord into Slope Day" and sparked "grave concerns from our community 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 further added, "For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani's invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly."
This decision follows closely on the heels of Kotlikoff expressing apprehension over Kehlani's history of pro-terror rhetoric, despite initially stating it was "too late to secure another performer that will be acceptable or appropriate for Slope Day." The annual concert, marking the end of the academic year, typically showcases top-tier artists, funded generously through a mandatory Student Activities Fee levied on all undergraduates.
The university had announced Kehlani as the Slope Day headliner on April 10, a mere two days after White House officials confirmed a freeze on over $1 billion in funding to the school amidst a civil rights investigation into campus anti-Semitism. The traditionally festive event soon became a hotbed of controversy as campus groups like Cornellians for Israel expressed dismay over Kehlani's activism. The singer had previously posted a series of Instagram videos in which she criticized musical artists who did not publicly condemn Israel.
"It's fuck Israel, it's fuck Zionism, and it's also fuck a lot of y'all too," she said. She later released a music video for her single "Next 2 U," which began with a graphic reading, "Long live the Intifada." Kehlani has also made similar pro-terror statements in Instagram posts reading, "DISMANTLE ISRAEL. ERADICATE ZIONISM," "There is only one solution, intifada revolution," "Long live resistance in all of its forms," and, "No one should feel comfortable or safe until Zionism is extinguished."
In another post referencing Zionists, Kehlani wrote, "The scum of the earth. You're the scum of the earth. I can't imagine a Zionist would still be following me at this point. Go to hell."
Cornellians for Israel highlighted these statements in a circulated petition, which read, "The fact that the university would allow for students to bring in a performer with views that actively call for violence to an event where she is supposed to represent all students makes me feel like I am not a respected member of this community." Following Kotlikoff's announcement, the group updated the petition with a message of gratitude for the support received, stating, "Thanks to your help, the school has announced that Kehlani will not be performing at Slope Day! We truly appreciate your support in this endeavorwe would not have succeeded without you!"
Slope Day is financed through Cornell's Student Activities Fee, which is mandatory for all undergraduates. The fee, which was $384 per student this school year and will increase to $424 next year, contributes $50 from each student specifically to Slope Day, generating a budget of approximately three quarters of a million dollars.
While the exact amount Kehlani would have received remains undisclosed, $350,000 was allocated to talent last year, as per the student-led Slope Day Programming Board, which organizes the event.
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