In the News

French pop star cancels Israel gig

January 16, 2011
/ By /
French pop star Vanessa Paradis has become the latest high profile cultural star to cancel a performance in Israel following calls to do so by fans and human rights campaigners.

French pop star Vanessa Paradis has become the latest high profile cultural star to cancel a performance in Israel following calls to do so by fans and human rights campaigners.

 

A report in Israeli newspaper Haaretz explains:

French pop star Vanessa Paradis has cancelled her upcoming concert in Israel only a month before she was supposed to arrive in the country with her partner, Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, leaving fans and pundits speculating as to the reasons for the cancellation.

Paradis' agent David Stern announced the change of plans in the French media, claiming that the cancellation was due to professional reasons, but insiders who organized the concert claim that the singer acceded to calls to cancel the show made by Palestinian solidarity groups.

Israeli group Boycott! Supporting the Palestinian Boycott from Within was among those calling on Paradis to cancel her performance, with the group arguing:

There is no way your presence here can escape being interpreted as a political act. It will therefore not be about the sheer joy of your music and films. Instead, it will have the effect of contributing to Israel’s image of normality, to its government as well as to the rest of the world.

You can read more about the cultural boycott at PACBI.org, the website of BNC member organisation the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.


SHARE

Stay updated!

Sign-up for news, campaign updates, action alerts and fundraisers from the BDS movement.

Subscribe Now