John Malkovich cancels Tel Aviv performance over fake quote

Actor John Malkovich has canceled his scheduled April 13, 2027, performance of ‘The Music Critic’ in Tel Aviv. The decision follows the publication of a press release that attributed fabricated remarks to him.

Malkovich stated that a public relations firm hired by the Israeli promoter drafted a quote expressing “closeness and solidarity” with the Israeli audience without his consultation or approval. He described the publication of these unapproved words as “unacceptable and untenable.” In a statement, he clarified that performing in a country does not constitute an endorsement of its government policies, leaders, or actions.

Israeli producer Alon Yurick apologized for the incident, attributing the error to a “misunderstanding” and “human error.” The production, created by composer Aleksey Igudesman, was set to take place at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium.