Kehlani is pushing back after being dropped from Cornell University’s "Slope Day" lineup over accusations of antisemitism.

In a video posted April 26, the singer denied the claims, clarifying that her stance is against Israel’s military actions in Gaza—not against Jewish people. “I’m not antisemitic or anti-Jew. I’m anti-genocide,” Kehlani said, speaking alongside Jewish and Palestinian friends. “Anti-bombing of innocent children, men, and women. That’s what I’m anti.”

She pointed out that early in the Gaza conflict, she publicly partnered with Jewish Voice for Peace, a progressive organization critical of Israel’s policies. “I continue to learn from and work alongside impactful Jewish organizers against this genocide,” she added.

Kehlani also hinted that Cornell’s cancellation isn’t an isolated incident. “Now there are attempts at other cancellations, on top of the cancellations I’ve already experienced over the past year,” she wrote in the caption. “If you want to cancel me, stand on it being because of your Zionism. Don’t make it anti-Jew.”

Cornell originally booked Kehlani for its annual Slope Day celebration, but pulled the plug after backlash over her “anti-Israel sentiments,” including Palestinian imagery and the phrase “long live the intifada” in her 2024 “Next 2 U” music video.

University president Michael Kotlikoff said in a statement that the decision to rescind Kehlani’s invitation was made after hearing “grave concerns” from the campus community.

Kehlani, for her part, made it clear: she's not backing down.