Jewish-American musician Matisyahu found himself at the center of controversy this week after two venues abruptly canceled his upcoming shows, leading to allegations of both antisemitism and safety concerns. The Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona, and the Meow Wolf venue in Santa Fe, New Mexico, were accused by the artist of canceling his performances due to antisemitic views held by their staff members, though both venues cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the cancellations, according to the New York Post.

The troubles began when the Meow Wolf venue in Santa Fe canceled Matisyahu's show just an hour before he was scheduled to perform. Multiple pro-Palestinian activist groups had planned protests outside the concert, causing over 150 staff members to express concerns about safety. Counter-protesters were also expected to confront the pro-Palestinian groups, leading the venue to make the difficult decision to cancel the show to ensure the well-being of both attendees and employees.

These pro-Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for the shutdown, stating that they overwhelmed Meow Wolf with social media posts and phone calls, KOAT 7 reported. The cancellation prompted the Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber to release a statement condemning the treatment of Matisyahu. He emphasized the importance of differentiating between protesting against governmental policies and shutting down the performance of a Jewish-American artist. Mayor Webber firmly denounced antisemitism, bigotry, racism, and intolerance in any form.

The Rialto Theater in Tucson followed suit and canceled Matisyahu's show hours before showtime, citing similar safety concerns. The venue, in a Facebook post, stated that employee and guest safety were their top priorities. Details regarding the specific safety concerns were not specified.

Matisyahu voiced his frustration with both venues, claiming that they refused to come to work, resulting in the cancellations. He accused the venues of either being antisemitic or confusing their empathy for the Palestinian people with hatred towards him, as he expressed empathy for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Regarding the Rialto Theater's cancellation, executive director Cathy Rivers assured the public that the decision was solely based on safety concerns. She emphasized that the circumstances escalated beyond their control and that hosting Matisyahu at another time would have been more appropriate. The artist was paid in full, and ticket refunds were made available to all ticketholders.

The controversy surrounding the cancellations highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and safety concerns. While Matisyahu maintains his stance that antisemitism played a role in the decision, both venues vehemently deny these allegations and maintain that their primary concern was ensuring the safety of all involved.

As the incident gains attention, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive and tolerant environment, free from any form of discrimination or prejudice.