American comedian Jerry Seinfeld was selected to headline the inaugural Lisbon International Humor Festival, scheduled to take place between October 29 and November 1. However, the announcement of the legendary Jewish-American comic’s participation triggered intense outrage among several local performers slated to appear, leading to a wave of official cancellations.
1+Portuguese actress and comedian Inês Aires Pereira signaled that her decision to pull her show from the lineup stemmed from “one of the names” who “insistently defends ideas and actions that I consider indefensible”.
In a post published across social media, she wrote: “We cannot relativize or normalize a genocide”.While several withdrawing acts refrained from elaborating, others offered vague explanations, writing: “We will celebrate justice, freedom, and joy with you on another occasion”.
Just last year, Seinfeld faced sharp condemnation from anti-Israel activists following remarks at a Duke University event: “Just say you don’t like Jews. When you say ‘Free ‘Palestine’,’ you’re not admitting what you really think. So actually, compared to the Ku Klux Klan, I’m thinking the Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews.’
OK, that’s honest.”
1+Seinfeld has consistently and unapologetically demonstrated public support for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Just a few months ago, following the NBA Finals, the comedian found himself at the center of a verbal altercation with an antisemitic agitator amid street celebrations outside the arena. As Seinfeld exited the venue and encountered crowds of fans, a passerby noticed the veteran star and sought to ambush him on camera.The individual confronted Seinfeld directly, demanding that he publicly recite the political slogan “Free Palestine” to get a viral clip for social media. Seinfeld’s reaction was swift, resolute, and devoid of the evasive rhetoric often favored by Hollywood celebrities. Rather than walking away, the comedian locked eyes and replied coolly, “It doesn’t even exist.” The blunt, immediate response left the activist stunned and spread across social media within minutes.
The incident is part of a consistent pattern of public, unwavering solidarity displayed by Seinfeld toward the State of Israel since the outbreak of hostilities, which includes solidarity visits to Israel and emotional meetings with families of hostages held in Gaza. While entertainment industry figures often adopt calculated ambiguity on geopolitical matters to protect their careers, Seinfeld has repeatedly shown no hesitation in taking an unapologetic stance, even when targeted in public ambushes.