A scandal has erupted around the upcoming concert of People's Artist of Uzbekistan Yulduz Usmanova, scheduled for May 9 at the Ocean Theater in Brooklyn. New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a joint statement accusing the singer of making antisemitic remarks.

According to the politicians, they attempted to contact the artist to give her an opportunity to publicly apologize for past statements against the Jewish people, but were refused. Subsequently, Novakhov sent an official letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an immediate review of Usmanova's right to enter the country and the revocation of her visa on grounds of inciting hatred.

Protesters are particularly outraged by the concert date. The performance is scheduled for May 9 — Victory Day over Nazi Germany — which opponents consider an additional insult.

A protest rally is planned for Monday, May 4, at 11:00 AM outside the Ocean Theater. Activists aim to achieve a complete cancellation of the event, stating that entry to the U.S. is a privilege, not a right, and that hate propaganda has no place in public space.

According to organizers, the concert has been declared a sellout — all tickets are already sold out. The singer herself has not yet commented on the situation.

Source: podrobno.uz