Cornell Cancels Kehlani Performance Over Anti-Semitic Concerns

Cornell University has revoked R&B singer Kehlani’s Invitation to headline its annual Slope Day celebration. The decision was announced by President Michael Kotlikoff following a Jewish student petition that garnered over 5,200 signatures in four days.

Kehlani was announced as the Slope Day performer on April 11, 2025, with the university’s Studen & Campus Life department confirming her selection as the first female headliner in 16 years for the May 7 event. The cancellation occurred 13 days later after students criticized Kehlani’s history of pro-Palestinian statements online and in music videos. Her 2024 music video for “Next 2 U” opens with the phrase, “Long live the Intifada” against a backdrop of Palestinian flags and dancers wearing keffiyehs.

The Cornellians for Israel group launched a petition against Kehlani as a headliner, stating that the singer’s use of “her platform to publicly call for the ‘intifada’ and to ‘dismantle Israel’” makes Jewish students feel unsafe. The petition called on the university to create an alternative experience for students who would feel uncomfortable.

Now President Kotlikoff has directly addressed the student body, announcing that Kehlani is no longer performing. “Unfortunately, although it was not the intention, the selection of Kehlani at this year’s headliner has injected division and discord into Slope Day,” Kotlikoff writes. “For that reason, I am rescinding Kehlani’s invitation and expect a new lineup for a great 2025 Slope Day to be announced shortly.”

“In the days since Kehlani was announced, I have heard grave concerns from our community that many are angry, hurt, and confused that Slope Day would feature a performer who has espoused anti-Semitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media. While any artist has the right in our country to express hateful views, Slope Day is about uniting our community—not dividing it.”

“I have spent the last few days talking privately with many students about Slope Day, and I appreciate the candor they shared. I also spoke with student Slope Day Programming Board, who agree that this selection has compromised what is meant to be an inclusive event. Going forward, we will work together to revise the process for researching and selecting performers for this important annual event.”

“I understand that my decision will be celebrated by some and criticized by others. I believe it is the right thing to do and the decision I must make to ensure community and safety at this high-profile event that reaches the entire campus. Cornell is an institution where ‘any person can find instruction in any study’ and where every person should feel included at the signature social event of the year.”

Kehlani has not publicly addressed the cancellation yet. Meanwhile, Cornell University is facing escalating federal scrutiny over how it handles anti-Semitism on its campus. The U.S. Department of Education launched a formal investigation into Cornell under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act following complaints of anti-Semitic harassment on campus—including threats made to Jewish students.