Free speech group walks back condemnation of Israeli comedian’s show cancelations

PEN America, a US group dedicated to protecting free expression, withdraws its condemnation of protests that prompted the cancellation of an Israeli comedian’s shows.

The comedian, Guy Hochman, was targeted by protesters throughout his tour of the US and Canada late last month.

At least two venues canceled Hochman’s shows.

PEN America initially condemned the cancellations in a statement on Thursday. “It is a profound violation of free expression to demand artists, writers, or comedians agree to ideological litmus tests as a condition to appear on a stage,” said Jonathan Friedman, the managing director of US free expression programs at PEN America.

The statement accused Hochuman of “dehumanizing social media posts about Palestinians,” but added that “shutting down cultural events is not the solution.”

“People have every right to protest his events, but those who wish to hear from Hochman also have a right to do so,” Friedman said.

PEN America now walks back that statement and removes the condemnation from its website.

“On further consideration, PEN America has decided to withdraw this statement. We remain committed to open and respectful dialogue about the divisions that arise in the course of defending free expression,” the group says.

A spokesperson for PEN America says the group has no comment.