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Artist withdrawals from Lisbon humour festival

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2026-09-09 18:23 UTC → 2026-09-10 23:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Performers have begun withdrawing from the inaugural Lisbon International Humour Festival (MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest), scheduled for late October 2026, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The cancellations follow social media pressure regarding the festival’s headliner, American comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who has publicly expressed support for Israel. Several acts, including comedians Cebola Mol and Inês Aires Pereira, as well as the group Conjunto Cuca Monga and the ‘Tributo Pop’ show, have announced their departures. Inês Aires Pereira stated she could not participate in an event featuring an artist whose positions she finds incompatible with her principles, asserting that “we cannot relativise or normalise a genocide.” Other notable withdrawals include singers Carolina Deslandes, Tatanka, and Bárbara Tinoco, comedian Pedro Tochas, and visual artist Vhils. Some performers used the watermelon symbol, an unofficial sign of Palestinian solidarity, to signal their stance. Festival organizers, including César Mourão and the promoter Last Tour, have remained largely silent. Reports indicate that organizers are weighing several options, such as replacing the departing acts, proceeding with only Seinfeld, or canceling the festival entirely. There are also indications that organizers may pursue legal action against those who withdrew from their commitments. As the controversy continues, actor Javier Bardem has publicly commented on the situation via social media. Amidst the wave of cancellations, some performers, including Ana Garcia Martins and David Cristina, have confirmed they will still participate in the event.

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