SANTA FE, N.M. —
The cancellation of a concert at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just an hour before showtime on Wednesday, Feb. 14, has sparked controversy and a discussion on safety concerns and discrimination. The event was set to feature musician Matisyahu and was expected to draw a sold-out crowd before being abruptly called off.
Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber expressed zero tolerance for racism and discrimination in response to the cancellation, emphasizing the need for peace in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The decision to cancel the event came amid concerns of potential protests and counter-protests, which presented a safety issue for the venue’s employees. Local pro-Palestinian activist groups claimed credit for pressuring Meow Wolf to cancel the event, citing overwhelming social media posts and phone calls as part of their efforts.
One of the groups involved in the cancellation, the New Mexico Jews for a Free Palestine, stated that they are speaking out against anti-Palestinian rhetoric and advocating against racism and discrimination of any kind. Conversely, the Jewish Community Relations Coalition of New Mexico expressed concerns that the cancellation could set a precedent for silencing artists based on race, religion, or national origin, potentially impacting future performances in the state.
The cancellation also prompted a response from Matisyahu, who spoke out against the decision and offered to address staff shortages on his own dime. The artist expressed his belief that the cancellation stemmed from either anti-Semitic sentiments or a misunderstanding of his empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians. Meow Wolf has been reached out to for comment on the cancellation, but there has been no response as of now. Similarly, Matisyahu has not yet responded to requests for a statement regarding the incident.
Overall, the cancellation of the concert has raised important questions about safety, free speech, and discrimination, sparking a wider conversation about the responsibilities of venues and the potential implications for artists and their performances.