A concert by People's Artist of Uzbekistan Yulduz Usmonova, scheduled for May 9 in the Brighton Beach area of New York, has been canceled following pressure from Jewish community representatives in the US.
New York State Assembly members Mikhail Novakhov and Alec Brook-Krasny, along with over 40 lawmakers, appealed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke the singer's visa, citing alleged antisemitic statements.
According to Novakhov, the controversy stems from a previously released video in which Usmonova purportedly made harsh remarks against Jews. The assemblyman claimed the comments included curses and insults that sparked public outrage.
"Our community is on the verge of an unacceptable event. And we will not remain silent. A performer who publicly called for harm against the Jewish people and future generations plans to come to the United States and perform right here, in Brooklyn — the heart of one of the largest Jewish communities in the world. Let me be clear: this is not free speech, this is not artistic expression, this is hateful and dangerous rhetoric that has no place in our country," Novakhov said in a video message.
"Before taking further action, my office made a good-faith effort to contact her and give her the opportunity to retract these statements and issue a public apology. She refused. That says everything you need to know," the video added.
"I officially sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an immediate review of the singer's right to enter the US, cancellation of any visas on grounds of hate propaganda and incitement, and a ban on her entry. Together with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and colleagues, we are publicly demanding accountability: entry to our country is not a right, but a privilege," Novakhov stated.
Later, after Novakhov's appeal to the Secretary of State and his video garnered over 250,000 views on Facebook, concert organizers sent him a new video featuring Usmonova, which he shared on his page. In the video, Usmonova allegedly cited Jewish responsibility as an example and emphasized that "Jew" and "Zionist" are different concepts. The recording date of this video is unknown.
Five years ago, the singer also made a video statement amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and her comments about Jews sparked discussions.
Michael Novakhov and Nassau County Executive, gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman held an emergency press conference on April 4 regarding the events. The event took place in front of the Oceana cinema, where the concert was scheduled.
Subsequently, Novakhov released another video: "Great news!.. I have received word that the concert of antisemite Yulduz Usmonova at the Oceana Theater has been canceled! This is a huge victory for our Jewish community. I congratulate everyone and thank all who came to rallies, protested, wrote, and commented. It was under this pressure that the concert was canceled. A big thank you to the theater for their assistance and for canceling the concert. We will continue the fight, we will not stop, because we want all concerts of antisemite Yulduz Usmonova to be canceled in all US states," he said.
The Oceana Theater also confirmed the cancellation. "The concert of Yulduz Usmonova scheduled for May 9 has been canceled. Dear customers, ticket refunds will be issued at the point of purchase. We apologize for the inconvenience," the announcement read.
Amid these events, Yulduz Usmonova herself issued a statement. "I am grateful to our compatriots, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and all my fans who purchased tickets for my concerts. All tickets were sold out, which makes me very happy. But they say 'what is written on the forehead will happen,'" she said.
"If Jews gather in front of the city hall and interfere in politics, that is both an honor and an achievement for us. Let them oppose. But you, Jews and Zionists, if you think I will apologize, you are deeply mistaken. I am firm in my views and against violence," the singer stated.
"Palestine must be free, it is their land. You may be an ancient people, but Israel is a new state. America is not Israel. So do not act like masters of the world. This world has its own masters, and they are not you. Maybe you control banks, but the world is opening its eyes. Wait a bit, you have turned the whole world against you. Continue to turn us against you as well. You have shown your true face once again," Usmonova emphasized in her address.
"No one, inshallah, will ever apologize to you, because you are violent. We are an ancient people who respect ourselves. We love our religion, our nation, and our ancient homeland. No matter how much you protest, it only adds to my fame. The fact that everyone gathers against me pleases me. See you at concerts, if not this time, then next time," she concluded.
For reference, another concert by Yulduz Usmonova in the US is scheduled for May 11. The event is to take place at the Terrace Theater in Washington, D.C., in coordination with the Trump Kennedy Center campus rental office.
Source: www.gazeta.uz