R&B singer Lauryn Hill announced on Facebook Monday her plans to cancel a scheduled performance in Israel this week due to complications in setting up a show for fans in Palestine.
Hill explained to followers that her intention was to set up a performance in Palestine when she agreed to play in Israel.
“It is very important to me that my presence or message not be misconstrued, or a source of alienation to either my Israeli or my Palestinian fans,” she wrote. “For this reason, we have decided to cancel the upcoming performance in Israel, and seek a different strategy to bring my music to ALL of my fans in the region.”
Many of Hill’s fans on Facebook argued over the motivation behind nixing the set, and many praised her with anti-Israeli photos and sentiments.
“Shame on you Ms Hill for sucumbing to the vile hate and lies of the BDS movement…I used to be fan…No more!” wrote Jay Levin.
“Fuck you, Hill. Your career is over,” wrote Pawpa Mark.
“I support you for canceling the Israel show! You are brave and wise! Solidarity!” said Eric Castillo.
“I wish I could talk to Lauryn i mean excuse me, Ms. Hill and let her know how much i love her its real… #Free Palestine,” wrote Krissy Kris.
“Good on you Lauryn!!! They wont even accept the black Jews so why would you who is black perform somewhere like that? Thank you,” wrote Ami Jamal.
According to Times of Israel, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement (BDS) and various pro-Palestinian organizations routinely pressure international artists to cancel shows in Israel.
Furthermore, many performers attempt to discourage their musical peers from playing in the country. More often than not, high-profile artists ignore the boycotts.
Lady Gaga performed in Israel several weeks after the conclusion of the 50-day war with Hamas.
Hill, who last performed in Israel 2007, was scheduled to perform at the Live Park amphitheater in Rishon Lezion.
The 39-year-old singer has not released an album in 15 years and has only occasionally appeared at concerts over the years.
She pled guilty to tax evasion in 2012 for failure to pay her Federal income taxes in which she later served a three-month prison sentence.
She released her first single in more than a decade on May 4, 2013, called “Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix).
Hill released another single after her incarceration in October 2013, called “Consumerism.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.