On January 29, 2026, PEN America issued a statement on the abrupt cancellation of performances in New York and Los Angeles by Israeli comedian Guy Hochman, who has been accused by advocacy organizations of incitement to genocide in Gaza. 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.
Update 2/19:
PEN America withdrew its statement based on a judgment about whether it appropriately addressed the specific dynamics of the situation, including the rights and responsibilities of private venues and the fact that the Los Angeles venue had already reversed course and offered to reschedule the show. We continue to oppose ideological litmus tests as conditions for artistic performance. This decision had nothing to do with Hochman’s identity.