Multiple Portuguese artists have pulled out of the inaugural MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest in Lisbon, citing concerns over comments made by headliner Jerry Seinfeld regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Actress Inês Aires Pereira announced on Saturday that her show, Namastê, was being removed from the festival lineup, stating that “one of the names insistently defends ideas and acts that I consider indefensible.” She further explained on social media, “We cannot relativize or normalize a genocide.” Pereira did not specify which performer she was referencing.
The comedy duo Cebola Mol, comprised of Eduardo Madeira and Filipe Homem Fonseca, also announced their withdrawal on Saturday. They posted on social media, “We will celebrate justice, freedom and joy with you on another occasion,” and shared an illustration of themselves with a watermelon – a symbol of Palestinian solidarity due to its colors mirroring the Palestinian flag.
Other performers who have withdrawn include concert “Tributo Pop” (featuring Carolina Deslandes, Tatanka and Bárbara Tinoco), the group Conjunto Cuca Monga, comedian Pedro Tochas, and visual artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto). No public reasoning was given for their departures.
The Lisbon International Humour Festival is scheduled to run from October 29 to November 1. Jerry Seinfeld has openly expressed support for Israel during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. In a 2023 appearance at Duke University, Seinfeld compared the Free Palestine movement to the Ku Klux Klan, stating, “Free Palestine is, to me, just — you’re free to say you don’t like Jews…Just say you don’t like Jews. By saying ‘Free Palestine,’ you’re not admitting what you really think. So it’s actually — compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m actually thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews.’ OK that’s honest.” A Duke University spokesperson noted the university does not preview speaker remarks and that inviting speakers does not imply endorsement of their views.
The entertainment industry has seen increasing debate surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, including calls for the removal of actors from projects and criticism of individuals expressing differing viewpoints.
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