Lana Del Rey Defends Israel Concert: “It’s Not A Political Statement”

Lana Del Rey has defended an upcoming concert in Israel, which will be her live debut in the country.

Facing backlash after being announced on the lineup of the inaugural Meteor Festival in Kibbutz Lehavot Habashan, Del Rey took to social media to explain her decision to perform at the event.

“What I can tell you is I believe music is universal and should be used to bring us together,” she said.

“We signed on to the show w the intention that it would be performed for the kids there and my plan was for it to be done w a loving energy w a thematic emphasis on peace. If you don’t agree with it I get it. I see both sides.

“I would like to remind you that performing in Tel Aviv is not a political statement or a commitment to the politics there just as singing here in California doesn’t mean my views are in alignment w my current governments opinions or sometimes inhuman actions.

“I’m not in anyway likening the gravity of certain travesties that have occurred in Israel to the current hardships we’re facing here.

“For the record I’m doing the best I can and my intentions are better than most people’s that I know.”

Read Del Rey’s statement in full, below.

Meteor Festival, which is taking place in September, will also host sets from artists like Flying Lotus, Pusha-T, ASAP Ferg, Yung Lean, Ariel Punk and Kamasi Washington.

Lana Del Rey cancelled a scheduled Israel concert back in 2014. The country has since been avoided by many artists, as part of a political protest against its occupation of Palestine.

Lorde faced backlash earlier this year after cancelling a controversial Israel show, while Nick Cave accused protestors of bullying musicians after he defended The Bad Seeds’ performance at Tel Aviv’s Menorah Arena.

https://twitter.com/LanaDelRey/status/1031269344179761152

https://twitter.com/LanaDelRey/status/1031269354703220736

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