At the Los Angeles premiere of “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery — The Untold Story,” singer Sarah McLachlan informed the crowd that the performances that had been scheduled to follow the screening were being canceled, saying they had been nixed “in solidarity in support of free speech.” Her remarks alluded to the Jimmy Kimmel situation embroiling Disney, whose Hulu streamer is exclusively carrying the ABC News-produced documentary.
“I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming,” said McLachlan, introducing the film at L.A.’s Ford Theater. “I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform, but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech.”
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Who would be performing after the movie screened was left a mystery, but it was understood that McLachlan (the co-founder of the Lilith Fair festival) and Jewel were set to regale the audience in song. Canceling the live music followed the red carpet for the L.A. premiere also being called off. The L.A. bow for the film had the bad fortune to be set for just days after ABC paused the production of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after the host’s comments in the wake the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, setting off a Hollywood firestorm.
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“It’s a gift for me and it’s a gift for all of us to see it,” said McLachlan. “I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with — 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. I think we’re all fearful for what comes next. I really hope this documentary inspires everyone to continue to try and create positive change in your communities, to keep lifting each other up, and to keep championing the causes you believe in with kindness and empathy, because ultimately we’re all in this together.”
Earlier, an email had been sent to attending members of the press that read, “Please note this event will no longer be hosting a red carpet,. We appreciate your willingness to attend and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The film had its global premiere under less controversial circumstances earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
