Kehlani & San Diego Pride Backlash | NBC 7 San Diego
- San Diego Pride faces growing pressure to remove Kehlani from its entertainment lineup.
- Adam Maslia,director of The finest Community Coalition,contends that Kehlani uses her platform to promote violence against Jews.
- Lauren Henson,chairwoman of the Pride Military Department,expressed disappointment with Pride leadership,stating she cannot guarantee the safety of service members at the parade.
Kehlani‘s scheduled performance at San Diego Pride ignites a firestorm, as over thirty Jewish organizations withdraw their support, citing mounting antisemitism concerns. The controversy underscores the complex interplay of LGBTQ+ pride,political activism,and the festival’s evolving role. Accusations fly regarding Kehlani’s social media activity, leading to key figures declining Pride events. San Diego Pride responds with reinforced security, yet the board remains steadfast. With ticket sales surging,and differing viewpoints emerging,News Directory 3 is covering the unfolding narrative,balancing voices demanding Kehlani’s removal and those backing her performance,and enhanced security measures. Discover what’s next in this evolving story.
Kehlani’s San Diego Pride Performance Sparks Controversy Over Antisemitism
Updated June 28, 2025
San Diego Pride faces growing pressure to remove Kehlani from its entertainment lineup. More than 30 Jewish organizations in San Diego have pulled their support, alleging the singer has a history of antisemitic statements regarding israel’s treatment of Palestinians.The controversy highlights the complex intersection of LGBTQ+ pride, political activism, and concerns about antisemitism, impacting the role of the festival.
Adam Maslia,director of The finest Community Coalition,contends that Kehlani uses her platform to promote violence against Jews. The Jewish Federation of San Diego has been monitoring Kehlani’s social media activity, claiming her posts echo language used by perpetrators of antisemitic attacks. This antisemitism debate has lead to several high-profile figures, including three city councilmembers and the mayor, declining to attend Pride events.
Lauren Henson,chairwoman of the Pride Military Department,expressed disappointment with Pride leadership,stating she cannot guarantee the safety of service members at the parade. The San diego Pride board responded with an open letter promising enhanced security measures, including private security, police presence, and legal observers. They also reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.
Despite the controversy, ticket sales are reportedly double what they were at this time last year, and the Pride board has shown no indication of changing the program. Lindsey Stamper, a frequent Pride Festival attendee, supports Kehlani’s performance, arguing that the queer community in Hillcrest stands in solidarity with Palestine and that all selected performers should be allowed to participate.
Earlier in the week, the Antisemitism Task Force at Stand With Us launched a “Pride Not Prejudice” campaign, urging San Diego pride organizers to drop Kehlani from the festival.Liat Cohen-Reeis, the director, stated that highlighting these viewpoints aims to attract diverse voices to demand Kehlani’s removal, citing concerns about growing antisemitism in the community.
“I will never lead my fellow service members, active or veteran, into a space where their safety cannot be guaranteed,” Henson said regarding the parade.
What’s next
With the festival just weeks away, San diego Pride is implementing new entry policies, including a clear bag requirement. The situation remains fluid as organizers navigate the tension between inclusivity, freedom of expression, and concerns about safety and antisemitism.