Protests Erupt at Lisbon Comedy Festival Over Jerry Seinfeld's Pro-Israel Stance

A new international comedy festival in Lisbon, MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest, scheduled to open next month, is facing significant backlash due to its headliner, American comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Several artists slated to perform have announced their withdrawal from the festival in protest of Seinfeld's publicly expressed pro-Israel views, particularly his support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Portuguese actress Inês Aires Pereira was among the first to withdraw, stating, "One of the names consistently defends indefensible ideas and actions. We cannot make genocide a relationship or normalize it." While she did not name Seinfeld directly, her statement clearly alluded to him. The Portuguese comedy duo Cebola Mol, comprised of Eduardo Madeira and Filipe Homem Fonseca, also announced their withdrawal, posting on social media, "We will celebrate justice, freedom, and joy with you on another occasion," accompanied by a watermelon emoji, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.

Other artists reportedly pulling out include Carolina Deslandes, Tautanka, and Bárbara Tinoco, who were scheduled for the Tributo Pop show, as well as the group Conjunto Cuca Monga, comedian Pedro Tochas, and visual artist Vils Alexandre Pardo. The specific reasons for their cancellations were not disclosed.

Seinfeld, who is Jewish-American, has been vocal in his support for Israel since the October 7th attacks and has visited the country. He has faced protests and criticism for his stance in the past. In one incident last year, a pro-Palestinian activist confronted him in New York, calling him a supporter of genocide. This situation echoes a recent protest in London where an actor withdrew from a play due to the inclusion of Jewish-British actress Maureen Lipman, citing her public comments on Israel and the Palestinians.