Sarah McLachlan Cancels Performance at ‘Lilith Fair‘ Premiere in Solidarity with Free Speech
LOS ANGELES, September 23, 2025 – Sarah McLachlan and Jewel opted not to perform at the premiere of the ABC News documentary Lilith Fair on Monday evening, rather choosing to stand in solidarity with free speech following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. the decision came during McLachlanS introduction, where she addressed concerns over the current political climate and erosion of rights.
McLachlan began by acknowledging the film but also expressed her anxieties about “the stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech.” She stated, “I think we’re all fearful for what comes next, and none of us know, but what I do know is that I have to keep pushing forward as an artist, as a woman to find a way through, and though I don’t begin to know what the answer is, I believe we all need to work towards a softening to let in the possibility of a better way, because I see music as a bridge to our shared humanity, to finding common ground.”
She continued, emphasizing the importance of unity, stating, “If lilith taught me anything, it taught me there is a great strength in coming together to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. So I really hope this documentary inspires everyone to continue to try and create positive change in your communities, to keep lifting each other up, keep championing the causes you believe in with kindness and empathy as ultimately we’re all in this together.”
The move follows a recent warning issued by the FCC regarding comments made by Kimmel about activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, known for his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ debates and conservative viewpoints, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, a tragedy that has reverberated through the political landscape. Kimmel subsequently offered a blunt assessment of the aftermath of Kirk’s death on his September 15 show, stating, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
McLachlan announced to the audience, “I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but rather to stand in solidarity in support of free speech. Thank you for your understanding.”