The concert of Uzbekistan’s People’s Artist Yulduz Usmanova, scheduled for May 9 in Brighton Beach, New York, has come under threat of cancellation following statements by a number of U.S. politicians. Nassau County Executive and candidate for New York governor Bruce Blakeman, as well as New York State Assembly members Michael Novakhov and Alec Brook-Krasny, spoke out against the performance, accusing the singer of antisemitism.
Michael Novakhov published a post on X in which he urged people to carefully read a quote attributed to the artist: “May the Almighty bring down all misfortunes upon your heads, Jews! May all horrors continue over all your descendants, future generations”.
According to him, the person who said these words is being “welcomed with open arms,” invited to perform in Brooklyn—at the Oceana Theater in Brighton Beach, “in the very heart of the Jewish community.”
According to the politicians, an appeal was sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking to “revoke and annul all visas issued to the singer.” In addition, it is claimed that Usmanova was offered the chance to apologize; however, she allegedly refused.
Novakhov and Blakeman announced that they would hold an emergency press conference on this issue on Monday, May 4.
