Artists — including Sarah McLachlan and Jewel — scheduled to take the stage at the Los Angeles premiere of the new documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery canceled their performances on Sunday in a move to stand for free speech. The film about the historic Nineties festival is being distributed by ABC New Studio, whose parent company Disney continues to deal with the fallout over its decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel for his comments on Charlie Kirk’s death.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, invitations to the premiere promised “special surprise performances.” Sources revealed to THR that McLachlan and Jewel were set to perform. Puck‘s Matt Belloni also reported that Olivia Rodrigo, who appears in the documentary as well, was meant to be a surprise guest.
McLachlan introduced the film and confirmed that the performances were canceled due to Kimmel’s controversial suspension.
“It’s a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with, the stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech,” McLachlan said. “I think we’re all fearful for what comes next, and none of us know, but what I do know is that I have to keep pushing forward as an artist, as a woman to find a way through, and though I don’t begin to know what the answer is, I believe we all need to work towards a softening to let in the possibility of a better way, because I see music as a bridge to our shared humanity, to finding common ground.”
She continued: “If Lilith taught me anything, it taught me there is a great strength in coming together to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. So I really hope this documentary inspires everyone to continue to try and create positive change in your communities, to keep lifting each other up, keep championing the causes you believe in with kindness and empathy because ultimately, we’re all in this together.”
As she wrapped up her remarks, she further explained why there would be no performances at the event. “I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech,” McLachlan said. “Thank you for your understanding.”
McLachlan joins many artists who have stood in solidarity with Kimmel, show was taken off air after station owners Nexstar and Sinclair said they wouldn’t air his show in the wake of his comments. Many have accused Disney of bowing to pressure from the Trump administration and suppressing freedom of speech. Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been suspended indefinitely.
