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Beverly Hills Theater Apologizes After Canceling Israeli Comic Over Political Litmus Test

The venue’s president cited threats as he disavowed forcing performers to make political declarations.

Overview

  • Screening Services Group president Michael S. Hall apologized for canceling Guy Hochman’s show and called the political litmus test a mistake, saying he is open to rescheduling if it can be done safely.
  • Guy Hochman rejected the apology, labeled the requirement a loyalty test, and said he will not return to the Fine Arts Theatre as he seeks an alternate Los Angeles venue.
  • The theater’s initial statement acknowledged it could not substantiate accusations against Hochman yet asked him to publicly deny support for “genocide, rape, starvation, and torture of Palestinian civilians,” then announced a ban.
  • Hall said he acted under a large volume of messages and threats of violence directed at the theater and took responsibility for canceling without proper judgment.
  • Hochman’s tour has faced repeated disruptions, including a New York show canceled after protesters blocked an entrance and a six-hour detention by Canadian authorities followed by his claim that his Canadian visa was revoked.