Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan decided to forego her planned performances at the U.S. debut of the documentary “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” in Los Angeles on Sunday, citing concerns about the suppression of free speech. McLachlan, co-founder of the iconic Lilith Fair festival from the 1990s that showcased female musicians, made the announcement during the film screening at the Ford Theater. She expressed solidarity in support of free speech, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
Although the performances were meant to be a surprise, it was revealed that McLachlan and singer-songwriter Jewel, along with Olivia Rodrigo and Mya, were scheduled to take the stage. McLachlan shared her inner conflict before announcing the decision not to perform, highlighting the current challenges faced by women’s, trans, and queer rights, emphasizing the importance of free speech.
The decision comes in the wake of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension following remarks made about American conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The documentary, distributed by ABC News Studios in the U.S., coincides with the network’s airing of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The show was recently put on hold after calls from FCC chair Brendan Carr, which received support from President Donald Trump. Amid the controversy, Disney confirmed the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after discussions with the host.
Several celebrities, including Tatiana Maslany and Stephen Colbert, voiced support for Kimmel and condemned the perceived censorship. McLachlan, in her address, encouraged the audience to advocate for positive change with kindness and empathy, viewing music as a unifying force. “Lilith Fair” is available for streaming on CBC Gem in Canada, as well as on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S.
