“Free Palestine”: Yulduz Usmonova’s concert in the US cancelled (video)

Amid a campaign launched against the concert of Uzbekistan’s People’s Artist Yulduz Usmonova in the United States, the performance scheduled for May 9 at the Oceana Theater has been cancelled. The announcement was published on the theater’s official Facebook page.

In the statement, it was said: “The Yulduz Usmonova's concert scheduled for May 9 has been cancelled. Dear customers, ticket refunds will be issued at the points where tickets were purchased. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.”

Following these developments, singer Yulduz Usmonova issued a statement on her Instagram page.

She said: “My compatriots, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and my fans, I am grateful to those who bought tickets for the concert. All tickets were sold out. This makes me very happy. But as they say, a person’s fate is written in advance. However, if you think that you, Jews and Zionists, will make me apologize, you are mistaken. I stand firm in my views.”

In her statement, the artist also spoke about Palestine, saying she is against oppression and supports a free Palestine. 

“I am against oppression. Free Palestine. This is their land. You may be an ancient people, but Israel is a new state. The United States is not Israel. So do not act as if you own everything. The world has its own owner, and it is not you. You may control banks and other things, but the world is gradually opening its eyes. Wait a little. You have turned the whole world against you. You are trying to turn us against you as well. Once again, you have shown who you are. Because you are oppressors, and no one will live under your oppression,” she said.

Usmonova also stated that these events would only enhance her reputation. 

“No one will ever apologize to you. We are a proud ancient nation. Alhamdulillah, we are Muslims. We respect our religion, our nation, and our ancient homeland. No matter how much you protest, this will only add to my reputation. We will meet at concerts, if not this time, then next time. I sing for humanity. Justice will ultimately prevail.”

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated a campaign had been organized against her concert. Several local politicians, including Nassau County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, as well as New York State Assembly members Michael Novakhov and Alec Brook-Krasny, criticized the singer. The campaign organizers accused her of making antisemitic statements and reportedly demanded that she publicly retract them and apologize, which she refused. A request was also sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for the revocation of her visa.