A sold-out show by celebrated Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmanova has been cancelled by a Brooklyn theatre after a wave of political protests and accusations of antisemitism forced the venue's hand.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online in which Usmanova appeared to make derogatory remarks about Jewish people — footage that quickly drew condemnation from lawmakers and community groups across New York.

Among the most vocal critics was New York State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, who joined more than 40 fellow legislators in formally urging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke the singer's visa.

An apology requested — and flatly refused

With the performance at the Oceana Theater scheduled for May 9th, Novakhov reached out to Usmanova's management urging her to issue a public apology. Her producer attempted to soften the fallout, describing the remarks as an emotional outburst and pointing to the singer's longstanding ties with the Bukharian Jewish community. But Usmanova herself was having none of it.

Taking to Instagram, she categorically refused to walk back her comments. While distancing herself from violence, she declared her unwavering support for a free Palestine, describing the land as belonging to the Palestinian people. She also drew a distinction between the ancient Jewish people and the modern state of Israel — a framing that did little to quiet her critics.

Far from backing down, Usmanova noted that her show had sold out and vowed to keep performing. "I sing for humanity," she said.

The theatre, however, had the final word.

A divided reaction back home

The controversy has reverberated far beyond New York, stirring a heated debate inside Uzbekistan itself. Rather than distancing themselves from the singer's remarks, a significant portion of the Uzbek public has rallied behind Usmanova, with many voicing support for her position on social media and framing the backlash as an attack on free speech. The episode has exposed a troubling undercurrent of antisemitic sentiment that some observers say has long gone unchallenged in parts of Uzbek society. For a country that officially champions interfaith harmony and counts a historic Jewish community among its people, the widespread public endorsement of Usmanova's comments has raised uncomfortable questions — not just about one singer, but about the attitudes that her words have brought to the surface.