Dutch comedian Hans Teeuwen has announced he will skip Ghent, Belgium, during his upcoming tour following controversy surrounding the city’s Festival of Flanders’ cancellation of a concert featuring Israeli conductor Lahav Shani. The festival cited Shani’s lack of explicit condemnation of the israeli government’s actions in Gaza as the reason for the cancellation, sparking widespread criticism.
“I can’t play in such a city. I very much hope that this decision will be reversed, because I have always played a lot of fun in Ghent,” Teeuwen stated in a Facebook video.”This makes me a lot of sorrow.”
Teeuwen also suggested the Ghent city management may have exerted political pressure to cancel the concert, stating they were “applauding” the decision. He concluded his announcement with,”Ghent,please,get healthy!”
Discussions had reportedly taken place between teeuwen’s management and the Capitole in Ghent regarding potential performance dates – two in March and two in june 2026. However, Be.AT communication manager Birgit Ketele clarified that no concerts were ever officially announced or put on sale, and therefore no cancellation occurred.
Teeuwen is still scheduled to perform in Antwerp on November 2nd and 3rd of this year.
