Sarah McLachlan Cancels Lilith Fair Documentary Performance in Free Speech Protest
Sarah McLachlan cancelled a planned performance at the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" on Sunday, September 21, in a gesture of solidarity for free speech. The cancellation was a direct response to Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following controversy over his comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The Lilith Fair Documentary Premiere and the Kimmel Controversy
The documentary, distributed by ABC News Studios (owned by Disney) and streaming on Hulu and Disney+, revisits the groundbreaking Lilith Fair festival founded by McLachlan in 1997. The premiere was intended to be a celebratory event, but McLachlan and other scheduled performers chose to use the platform to protest what they perceived as a threat to free speech.
McLachlan addressed the audience, stating, "I know you're expecting a performance tonight, and I'm so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech." The announcement was met with applause and a standing ovation.
Artists Stand in Solidarity
While the full lineup was not officially announced, sources indicated that Jewel was also slated to perform, and Olivia Rodrigo, who is featured in the documentary, was expected to make a surprise appearance. Rodrigo also voiced her support for Kimmel, stating on social media, “So upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power. I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”
McLachlan's actions are part of a larger wave of support for Kimmel, with hundreds of celebrities and figures signing an open letter from the ACLU condemning his suspension as “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” Fellow late-night hosts and comedians have also voiced their disapproval of Disney's decision.
The Context: Kimmel's Suspension and Disney's Response
Jimmy Kimmel's suspension stemmed from comments he made on his show regarding the killing of Charlie Kirk, leading to criticism from the Trump administration and prompting affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair to refuse to air his show. Disney's response has been met with accusations of bowing to political pressure and suppressing free speech, resulting in boycotts and a drop in Disney stock.
In her speech, McLachlan connected the issue to broader concerns, stating, "It's a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I've grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with, the stark contraction to the many advances we've made watching the insidious erosion of women's rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech."
Lilith Fair's Legacy and a Call for Unity
McLachlan drew on the legacy of Lilith Fair, saying, "If Lilith taught me anything, it taught me there is a great strength in coming together to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down." She expressed hope that the documentary would inspire continued positive change and empathy.
Despite the cancelled performance, the "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" documentary remains available on Hulu and Disney+, offering a look back at the influential music festival and its impact on the music industry. McLachlan is scheduled to embark on her "Better Broken" tour in the fall.
