The cancellation of a performance by Israeli comedian Guy Hochman in Beverly Hills amid political tensions related to the war in Gaza has sparked broader debate in the United States and drawn public criticism from American comedian and actress Amy Schumer.
Schumer, who has been vocal in her support of Israel since October 7, said the decision to cancel Hochman’s show was a serious error by the venue. ‘The demand by a Beverly Hills theater that an Israeli comedian publicly condemn his own country was a complete mistake,’ Schumer wrote in a post on Instagram. ‘They canceled his show, admitted they had no evidence, and only reversed course after public backlash. No artist should have to sign a coerced apology just to perform. Last time I checked, we are not run by a dictatorship, nor do we force performers to criticize their own country to be allowed on stage.’
The performance was scheduled to take place at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, a venue rented out by the show’s promoter. According to organizers, the event was canceled after the theater received complaints objecting to Hochman’s appearance. In an attempt to resolve the situation, the venue asked Hochman to sign a statement condemning what it described as genocide in Gaza. Hochman refused, and the show was subsequently canceled.
Following protests by members of the local Jewish community, Michael S. Hall, who leads the organization that manages the theater, issued a public apology and acknowledged that the decision was misguided. ‘I understand that my decision hurt and upset many people, and I take responsibility for that,’ Hall said. Hall said the theater had received complaints and threats related to Hochman’s appearance, prompting him to cancel the show without fully considering the consequences. He added that he later contacted Hochman’s representatives in an effort to explore whether the performance could still take place under conditions that would ensure safety and order. The cancellation in Los Angeles is the latest setback in Hochman’s North American tour, which has been marked by repeated confrontations and disruptions.
Earlier this year, Hochman was detained at Toronto’s airport after a complaint was filed against him by the Hind Rajab Foundation, an advocacy group that campaigns against Israeli military actions. The complaint was related to social media posts in which Hochman expressed support for the Israel Defense Forces, Israel’s military. During a subsequent performance, Hochman was involved in a confrontation with protesters that escalated into violence. He has also faced protests in several U.S. and Canadian cities, and about a week ago another scheduled show in New York was canceled following pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Hochman, who is known for posting provocative and politically charged videos online, has become a flashpoint in the wider cultural and political fallout of the war, particularly in the entertainment industry.
First published: 04:47, 01.26.26