(NEW YORK) — PEN America today condemned the abrupt cancellations of performances by the Israeli comedian Guy Hochman in New York City and Los Angeles over his dehumanizing commentary about Palestinians during the Gaza war. The writers organization called the issuing of an ideological litmus test to Hochman a “profound” violation of free expression, saying that “shutting down cultural events is not the solution.”
Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director for U.S. Free Expression Programs, said: “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. In this case, Hochman has a history of dehumanizing social media posts about Palestinians that celebrate casualties and call for even more destruction in Gaza. But shutting down cultural events is not the solution. Regardless of the accusations against him, Hochman has a right to perform without facing threats or litmus tests. People have every right to protest his events, but those who wished to hear from Hochman also have a right to do so. Ultimately, shutdowns of this nature, however they occur, do little to address hateful speech, but instead contribute to a climate of silencing and self-censorship for artists with a wide range of views.”
Hochman has described himself as a “very Zionist comedian” and after October 7, 2023 joined the IDF reserves and began performing for Israeli soldiers. His posts have stirred outrage and offense inside and outside of Israel. Recently, the Hind Rajab Foundation, whose mission is to seek justice for Palestinians, requested the U.S. government prosecute Hochman, and published a dossier alleging that his social media posts and other commentary constitute incitement to genocide, a crime under international law.
Last week in New York, Hochman’s event was cancelled by the venue, Broadway Comedy Club, in response to protests. In Los Angeles, after reportedly receiving “a large volume of messages, including threats of violence” in response to the event, the Screening Services Group (SSG) asked Hochman to publish a statement refuting the allegations against him and stating that he did not support the “genocide, rape, starvation, and torture of Palestinian civilians.”
When Hochman refused to issue the requested statement, the president of SSG, Michael S. Hall, released a statement that the event was canceled and Hochman would be “banned” from the facility. Subsequently, Hall backtracked and apologized for issuing the ultimatum as a condition for Hochman appearing, saying: “[i]mposing a litmus test of any kind was a mistake and should never have happened.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057