NYPD denies canceling Israeli comedian’s show

The NYPD denies canceling a show by Israeli comedian Guy Hochman in Manhattan last night.

Hochman was targeted by anti-Zionist activist groups who protested outside the venue and his show was canceled. The groups claimed “victory,” and shared a screenshot from Hochman’s Instagram account that said, “Police decided to not allow the show.”

The statement from Hochman appears to have been taken down from his account.

The NYPD denies police canceled the show. “The NYPD did not shut this event down. The NYPD got a call for a protest outside the venue, and when the NYPD arrived, they separated two groups of protesters and put them in designated areas away from the front door of the venue so patrons could enter,” an NYPD spokesperson tells The Times of Israel.

“Ultimately, the venue decided to cancel the show,” the spokesperson says.

A spokesperson for Hochman does not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hochman writes on social media that he is arranging another show for tonight.

“They won’t take the smile off our faces,” he says. He posts a video showing himself with pro-Israel counter-protesters outside the venue.

Hochman was reportedly held for six hours of questioning on Monday upon arriving in Canada after a complaint was filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation, an anti-Israel legal group.