Lisbon's inaugural Commedia a La Carte Fest, scheduled for late October, is facing a wave of cancellations as Portuguese artists distance themselves from headliner Jerry Seinfeld. The American comedian's outspoken support for Israel in the Gaza war has prompted several performers to withdraw, turning the festival into a flashpoint for Europe's cultural response to the conflict.
The latest to pull out is actress Inês Aires Pereira, who announced on Saturday that her show "Namastê" would no longer appear in the line-up. In a social media post, she wrote: "One of the names persistently defends ideas and acts that I consider indefensible. We cannot relativise or normalise a genocide." While she did not name Seinfeld directly, the reference was unmistakable.
Earlier that same day, the comedy duo Cebola Mol—comprising Eduardo Madeira and Filipe Homem Fonseca—also confirmed their withdrawal. "We will celebrate justice, freedom and joy with you on another occasion," they posted, alongside an illustration featuring a watermelon, a widely recognised symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
They were not the first. The concert "Tributo Pop" (featuring Carolina Deslandes, Tatanka and Bárbara Tinoco) and the group Conjunto Cuca Monga had already cancelled. Comedian Pedro Tochas and visual artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) followed suit. Vhils clarified on Instagram: "My name was announced on one of the festival's posters. I asked for it to be removed and it was. As some people still think I'm taking part, let me be clear: I will not be at MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest."
None of the artists have offered detailed public explanations, but the pattern points to Seinfeld's political stance. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, Seinfeld has met with families of victims and openly defended Israel's military campaign. This marks a departure from his long-standing avoidance of political commentary, and it has become one of the most contentious aspects of his recent career.
At a Duke University event last year, Seinfeld compared the Free Palestine movement to the Ku Klux Klan, saying: "When you say 'Free Palestine' you are not admitting what you really think. So actually, compared with the Ku Klux Klan, I think the Klan is even a little better in this respect, because they can say openly: 'We don't like black people, we don't like Jews.' OK, that's honesty." The remarks drew widespread criticism and have fuelled calls for boycotts across Europe.
A test for cultural diplomacy
The controversy highlights a broader debate in Europe about how cultural institutions should respond to artists with polarising political views. In Portugal, the festival's organisers have so far kept Seinfeld on the bill, and the line-up still includes Herman José, Clarice Falcão, Matilde Breyner, and the quartet of César Mourão, Vasco Palmeirim, Pedro Ribeiro and Vera Fernandes. There has been no public indication that they might reconsider his presence.
The cancellations come amid a wider cultural reckoning. Across the continent, festivals and venues are grappling with similar pressures, from geopolitical tensions at major film events to debates over artistic freedom in the wake of the Gaza conflict. The situation in Lisbon echoes these challenges, but with a distinctly Portuguese flavour, as the country's artists take a stand that resonates with local audiences.
Portugal has a strong tradition of cultural activism, and the boycott has sparked lively discussion on social media. Some commentators argue that separating art from the artist is impossible when the artist uses their platform to endorse actions that many consider war crimes. Others defend Seinfeld's right to free speech, insisting that comedy festivals should remain apolitical spaces.
The festival, which runs from 29 October to 1 November, is still set to proceed, but the growing list of withdrawals raises questions about its viability. For now, the organisers remain silent, and the public is left to wonder whether more artists will join the boycott. The episode also underscores the power of cultural boycotts as a form of political expression, a tactic that has been used throughout history, from anti-apartheid campaigns to more recent protests.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with more than 73,000 deaths and over 174,000 injuries reported by Hamas-run health authorities, the cultural fallout shows no signs of abating. For European audiences, the Lisbon festival has become a symbol of the difficult choices facing artists and institutions in a deeply polarised world.
