Overview

• The festival announced Wednesday that it had removed French singer Hélène Ségara from its July lineup following widespread social media criticism.
• Organizers cited accusations of Ségara’s alleged support for Israel—stemming from her past participation in Jewish fundraising events—as incompatible with the festival’s political climate.
• Ségara told AFP that she never signed any performance contract; she denied any public support for Israel.
• Online critics called for her removal; some even demanded an entry ban, reflecting Tunisia’s strong pro-Palestinian sentiment.
• The organizers reaffirmed Tunisia’s long-standing commitment to Palestinian statehood with Jerusalem as its capital.