R&B singer Kehlani was dropped by the university after it canceled her scheduled performance at Cornell’s popular Slope Day event. Slope Day was scheduled to have Kehlani as the first major headliner since 2009, which was initially announced on April 11, 2025. But just a few days later, Cornell’s President Michael I. Kotlikoff informed the student body that the university had withdrawn its invitation. According to Kotlikoff, Kehlani’s “grave concerns” about Kehlani’s ‘antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments’ that he said introduced division and discord onto campus led to the decision.
Firm Response from Kehlani Regarding Cancelled Performance.
Kehlani then posted a video statement on her social media platforms to address the controversy, after Stand Behind Me was abruptly cancelled. She firmly denied the accusations of antisemitism in her emotional and candid message. Kehlani also added that she is not antisemitic and is not anti Jew. Referring to the situation in Gaza, speaking to Islamic Insight, she had reiterated that her criticisms were directed only at the policies of the Israeli government. More, Kehlani was, frankly, against genocide and extermination of a particular people, and against bombing an entire civilian population. It could’ve all been said without being about any religious or ethnic group.
The Role of Activism in Kehlani’s Career
Kehlani is no new activist, nor is this activism limited to Twitter. One of the few open about supporting Palestinian rights, she has partnered with Jewish advocacy groups like Jewish Voices for Peace. Speaking to the crowd in her video, she referred back to the work she had done with these organizations in the past and to her continued commitment to learning from and a commitment to supporting Jewish activists also struggling against violence in Gaza. In addition, she noted that often when calls for her to clarify her political position arose, they seemed to be trying to silence her voice, undermine her career trajectory. For the millionth time, I am being asked to clarify
Artistic Expression and Political Statements
Kehlani’s stance has also been political, but not her first time. In the past, her music and visuals have expressed her pro-Palestinian views. Kehlani notably wore a keffiyeh and included the phrase “Long Live the Intifada” in her 2024 music video for “Next 2 U,” as well as showing Palestinian flags. She also voiced her activism in her own way by joining a coalition of musicians and signing the Artists Against Apartheid letter, which asked for an immediate ceasefire during the Israel-Hamas war. Pro-Israel groups have targeted the artwork as criticism of her, but it has also helped to bolster her as a voice for marginalized communities.
Cornell’s Part in the Broader Debate on Free Speech
With Cornell University axing Kehlani’s performance, the rest of the debate around free speech, political expression, and the role of universities involving hot topics has resurfaced. The university has said that Slope Day should be a unifying event, totally devoid of division, but critics say that cancelling an artist for their political views goes a step too far. Yet it raises questions about whether institutions really are stepping up to encourage a diverse thought environment, or if they are rather caving under pressure to stifle opinions that are viewed as controversial. Kehlani’s cancellation has thus emblematically featured the tensions between freedom of expression and the institutions’ interest in reputation management.
Moving Forward: Kehlani’s Focus on Music and Advocacy
The controversy hasn’t fazed Kehlani. She assured fans she is continuing to work on her upcoming album and that activism is still on her mind. But she affirmed, “God has plans for me and that’s not going to stop anything I have going on.” Instead of allowing the cancellation to mean the end of something that was taking off for Kehlani, she wants to use her platform to push for human rights, keep creating music and use her voice to incite others to speak out for justice.
