Lorde has decided to cancel her concert scheduled for Tel Aviv, Israel on June 5, after activists urged several artists to boycott their shows in the country.
The BDS Movement, which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, aims to end international support for the oppression of Palestinians in Israel. Through social media campaigns, they discourage artists from performing in the country. Previously, they were successful in several musicians like Elvis Costello, Roger Waters, Thurston Moore and Lauryn Hill.
Some acts, like Radiohead, Nick Cave, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake have refused to cancel their shows.
In an official statement, the "Royals" singer said that after reading an "overwhelming" number of messages and letters as well as several discussions with various people, she has decided to cancel her show.
"I pride myself on being an informed young citizen, and I had done a lot of reading and sought a lot of opinions before deciding to book a show in Tel Aviv, but I'm not too proud to admit I didn't make the right call on this one," she said.
She also apologized to all her fans in the Middle Eastern country, saying it has been her dream to perform in the Israeli city.
"I'm truly sorry to reverse my commitment to come play for you. I hope one day we can all dance," she added.
Concert organizer Naranjah confirmed the show's cancellation via Facebook on Sunday.
Eran Arielli, Naranja owner and founder, said he takes full responsibility for the cancellation and asks the forgiveness of all the fans affected.
"The truth is that I was naive to think that an artist of her age can withstand the pressure involved in coming to Israel," Arielli said. He added that he has no complaints about the 21-year-old singer and that her decision did not change his opinion of her.
Amid her cancellation, however, several artists and entertainment industry executives from CAA and WME have expressed their disappointment over Lorde's decision.
In a counter-statement, they said, "Artists should never become beholden to the political views of a small but loud minority."
