A California theater was forced to apologize after it canceled an Israeli comedian’s scheduled performance — because he refused to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Guy Hochman’s show was abruptly pulled from the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills over the weekend when he failed to issue a public statement refuting allegations that supports the “genocide, rape, starvation, and torture of Palestinian civilians,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
But the venue then quickly pivoted, and issued an apology for proposing a “litmus test.”
Israeli comedian Guy Hochman was scheduled to perform in the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills but was canceled for his refusal to condemn Israel over the war with Hamas. Getty Images
“While I do not necessarily agree with the viewpoints of every performer who appears at the theater, it was wrong to ask any artist to make a political or ideological statements as a condition of appearing,” Michael Hall, the theater’s president said in a statement.
Hochman called the apology insincere, telling The Hollywood Reporter that Hall only backtracked after he was pressured from the Jewish community.
“Big people, serious people, stepped in and handled this because the situation was unbelievable,” Hochman told the outlet. “Do I think he’s sincere? No. He’s doing it because he was pressured. He doesn’t care. He tested me, like a loyalty test.”
Following Hochman’s cancelation, the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills quickly pivoted and issued an apology. Fine Arts Beverly Hills Theatre
Hochman is no stranger to controversy.
Protesters have frequently descended on his shows during his North American tour, and an appearance in New York was canceled due to safety concerns, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The comedian’s career took center stage following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel when he used his platform to boost the morale of Israeli soldiers.
“I went to bases. I did videos. I did standup shows in the field. I did everything I could to give my people escapism during insane times,” he told the outlet.
“I glorify my army. I glorify victory. That’s true. But the hypocrisy is unbelievable. In Iran, thousands are killed and nobody cares,” Hochman told The Hollywood Reporter. “But an Israeli comedian becomes the target. That tells you everything.”
But critics argued Hochman, who is Israeli and defines himself as a “very Zionist comedian,” dehumanizes the violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
The venue started investigating complaints about Hochman on Jan. 21, according to the Hollywood Reporter, but did not find any proof other than from the original accuser.
That prompted Hall, the president of the Screening Services Group which runs the theater, to ask Hochman to “refute the allegations and to release a press release and post on his social media.”
“He declined to do so. He is now banned from our facility,” Hall told the outlet.
The decision was drew sharp backlash from free speech activists and the Jewish community as being antisemitic — prompting the venue to quickly pivot and issue an apology Sunday afternoon.
After reversing course, Hall said he reached back out to representatives for Hochman, and was open to having the performance take place — something the comedian quickly shot down.