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Billboard Women in Music 2024
Reggae artist Matisyahu had Chicago’s House of Blues cancel his scheduled performance on Friday due to the “threat of protests.”
Matisyahu said House of Blues had canceled the show and paid the contractual fine, which it promised to donate to an organization defending Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The Chicago date is Matisyahu’s third cancellation on his current US tour. Previous dates in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona were also canceled.
In Los Angeles, Jewish author Brett Gelman and television personality Mayim Bialik also saw events canceled or interrupted because of their outspoken support for Israel.
Matisyahu has openly expressed his support for Israel and has performed for the troops there.
“While my fans and I are deeply hurt by this, please know that we will not cower in the face of these bullies and the pressure they exert,” Matisyahu said in a statement. “These individuals and the organizations that break under their pressure threaten the foundations of artistic expression… We will continue to put on shows. And we will always stand firm against hate and march towards the true goal of long-term peace for all.”