Kehlani's Pro-Palestinian Stance Sparks Backlash at AMAs, Show Cancellations

Pop and R&B singer Kehlani reignited controversy at the 2025 American Music Awards, doubling down on her outspoken anti-Israel stance during a red carpet appearance in Las Vegas. The 30-year-old artist, known for her socially conscious image, used the media spotlight to voice support for Palestinians and take pointed shots at both Israel and U.S. foreign policy. Concluding her remarks with the politically charged slogan “Free Palestine,” Kehlani drew immediate criticism for what many view as a one-sided and inflammatory message.

The AMAs appearance came just weeks after the City Parks Foundation abruptly cancelled Kehlani’s scheduled concert in Central Park, citing security concerns and growing public outrage over her past statements. That cancellation followed a formal letter from New York City First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, who expressed concern over the safety of the event due to threats and rising tensions. A previous Kehlani show at Cornell University was also scrapped under similar circumstances.

Despite this mounting backlash, Kehlani has shown no signs of retreat. In her AMA comments, she defended her activism as “moral clarity,” saying: “It should be as easy as breathing to say, ‘Hey, I don’t really think this should be happening,’” in apparent reference to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. However, critics note that her commentary continues to ignore critical context namely, the brutal Hamas-led terror attacks of October 7, which sparked the ongoing conflict.

While Kehlani insists that her views are “anti-Zionist” and not anti-Semitic, many Jewish organizations and critics argue that her statements blur the line between political critique and vilification. By framing Israel as an aggressor without acknowledging Hamas’s terrorism or charter calling for Israel’s destruction, they argue Kehlani perpetuates a dangerous and polarizing narrative.

The singer, who portrays herself as a victim of censorship and political suppression, claimed she learned of the Central Park cancellation via social media. Yet city officials maintain that the decision was based on genuine safety risks, not political targeting.

As anti-Semitic incidents continue to surge globally, observers warn that celebrity rhetoric carries real-world consequences. In a climate of heightened sensitivity and increasing polarization, Kehlani’s brand of activism may resonate with some fans but to many others, it dangerously oversimplifies the ongoing conflict and undermines legitimate security concerns for the Jewish community.

While freedom of speech and artistic expression are cornerstones of democracy, they come with responsibility. And in the case of Kehlani, critics argue, her continued public remarks risk inflaming tensions, whitewashing terrorism, and alienating audiences seeking balanced dialogue rather than ideological grandstanding.