The Oceana Theater in Brooklyn has canceled a concert by People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Yulduz Usmanova, which was scheduled to take place on May 9 in Brighton Beach, New York. The decision was announced after a protest held in the city with the participation of gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
In a statement published on the theater’s Facebook page, it said that refunds are available at the original point of purchase.
“Refunds are available at the original point of purchase. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” the Facebook post says.
Earlier, a number of New York political figures spoke out against holding the singer’s concert, accusing her of antisemitic remarks. After the performance was canceled, Usmanova posted a video statement and refused to apologize.
In response, Usmanova said she does not intend to apologize: “If you Zionists think I’m going to apologize, you are deeply mistaken.” According to the singer, she links the surge of protests to local politics and elections, and the confrontation itself, as the artist believes, only contributes to the growth of her popularity: “It even pleases me that you have nothing to do and everyone has gathered against me. That means I can really shake you up.”
New York State Assemblymember Michael Novakhov said that politicians will seek the cancellation of all of the singer’s performances in the U.S. and the revocation of her visas.
