John Malkovich Cancels Israel Show Over Falsely Attributed ‘Solidarity’ Quotes

John Malkovich has canceled a 2027 performance in Tel Aviv, Israel over claims quotes were falsely attributed to him.

The 72-year-old actor was scheduled to perform “The Music Critic” in Tel Aviv in April 2027 at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. But a press release was published that reportedly misattributed quotes to John and he’s pushing back.

According to The Wrap, the comments in question said the star was “thrilled to return to Israel” and was looking forward “to meeting the warm Israeli audience once again, to whom I feel a strong closeness and solidarity.”

These quotes were published as part of a press release in The Jerusalem Post, who later removed the statement. An editor’s note says the quote was removed after confirmation that “it was falsely attributed” to John.”

The show’s Israeli producer, Alon Yurick, allegedly said the incorrect quote resulted “from a misunderstanding and apologized for the error.”

John Malkovich released a statement addressing the falsely attributed quotes

However, the Red star canceled the performance after he became aware of the announcement.

“A PR company hired by the Israeli promoter drafted a quote for the article that was attributed to me, though I never made the statements that were quoted, nor was I consulted before they were printed,” John told The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday. “I did not utter these phrases, and they most certainly are not approved by me, nor do they reflect my feelings. The fact that they were printed as direct quotes from me is unacceptable and untenable. For this reason, I have decided I cannot participate in the Tel Aviv performance.”

“My appearance in any country, even my own, does not constitute approval of said country’s policies, nor actions, nor its elected or unelected leaders,” he added. “My appearances would also not condone nor mean that I am in supposed ‘solidarity’ with any particular political cause, nor with the killing of innocents, nor with any acts of terrorism, nor any other kind of barbarity.”

He finished by saying he looked “forward to continuing to exercise my artistic freedom,” but emphasized that only creatives like playwrights and screenwriters “can put words in my mouth, and even then, only in the service of storytelling.”

“No one else should think they can do that without my consent and without the resultant consequences,” John concluded.

How did the Israeli firm handling the show’s publicity respond?

They issued a statement to apologize for the handling of the press release.

“Mr. Malkovich did not make, provide, authorize or approve this statement, nor was it approved by his representatives. We sincerely apologize to Mr. Malkovich and his representatives for the incorrect attribution and regret that this occurred.”

Pink has responded to the backlash she’s received for calling out Macklemore‘s “Free Palestine” message recently.

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