DJ Eran Tal Speaks Out: "My Singapore Show Was Canceled Because I'm Israeli"
Veteran Israeli DJ Eran Tal, known for performing at LGBTQ+ events worldwide, says he was stunned after organizers in Singapore canceled his upcoming set, citing his nationality as the reason.
"In a clear and direct phone call, they told me the gig was canceled solely because I’m from Israel," declared Tal. The decision came during his current DJ tour across Asia, which had included a scheduled appearance in Singapore.
According to Tal, organizers admitted they had combed through his Instagram account and found flyers for international parties explicitly labeling him as Israeli. "That, they said, was suddenly too 'sensitive' for them to go ahead with," Tal explained.
Screenshots of messages received by mako confirm the exchange. One organizer wrote:
“Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with being Israeli and you shouldn't hide it… But commercially, things are challenging right now. After what happened at Tomorrowland with people waving Israeli flags during Vini Vici's set, not everyone sees it the same way, especially not in Singapore.”
The message continued:
“So instead of asking you to change anything, we thought it might be best to cancel this time. We’ll still pay you, and maybe we can reschedule when things are less sensitive.”
Another message stated:
“We also don’t want it to seem like we’re hiding something. A quick Google search or a ChatGPT prompt clearly shows you’re Israeli. The team just doesn’t feel comfortable moving forward with this.”
The organizer added that had Tal posted a public statement distancing himself from the Israeli government or the war, it might have helped:
“But I understand that would be a tough position to put yourself in, it could alienate your Israeli audience.”
Tal says there was no ambiguity. “It wasn’t implied, it was stated outright,” he said. “At first I was shocked and deeply offended. After it sank in, I realized this wasn’t just antisemitic and disgusting, it was also profoundly unprofessional.”
He emphasized that the event had been arranged months in advance, with flights, rehearsals, and promotions all finalized. “And then, last-minute, it’s canceled just because I’m Israeli. No shame. No stuttering,” he said.