American reggae star Matisyahu, whose set at a Spanish music festival was canceled after he refused to support a Palestinian state, has received another invitation to perform, Spanish media reports.
The Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival announced earlier this week the cancelation of an August 22 performance by the artist after he refused to write or videotape a message supporting a Palestinian state.
According to The Spanish daily El Pais, members of the Rototom Sunsplash Reggae Festival issued a threat to the American Jewish singer, writing that if he would “sign such a declaration [publicly affirming his support for the Palestinians, he] can perform.”
Additionally, other performers said they would not perform if Matisyahu did because he was “seen to represent Israel.”
Rototom stated on its Facebook page their demand derived from “the festival’s sensitivity to Palestine, its people and the occupation of its territory by Israel.”
The festival’s website features a lengthy video with pro-Palestinian activists condemning Israel’s actions during the Gaza War.
Spanish BDS activists reportedly praised Rototom for canceling the show, citing Matisyahu for being a “Zionist” and “defending a state that practices apartheid and ethnic cleansing.”
The Rototom Sunsplash reggae festival now says it rejects any form of discrimination and anti-Semitism, and has apologized for canceling Matisyahu’s show.
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