Overview

• The Haus der Kulturen der Welt and Jan Böhmermann canceled the 7 October concert with Gruppe Royale in Berlin.
• In a joint statement, they said they heard objections "especially from Jewish side" and could no longer guarantee the event's integrity.
• The dispute focused on claims that featuring rapper Chefket would provide a stage for antisemitism, referencing photos of him wearing a shirt depicting Palestine without Israel.
• Organizers underscored their documented stance against antisemitism and noted the sensitivity of the second anniversary of the 7 October 2023 terror attack.
• Böhmermann’s exhibition Die Möglichkeit der Unvernunft remains open through 19 October at HKW, with other events proceeding and Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer scheduled for 8 October.