San Diego Pride faces growing criticism over headliner Kehlani

San Diego Pride is under fire as 30 local Jewish organizations urge the board to remove headliner Kehlani, citing her perceived antisemitic rhetoric and support for Palestine. Critics, including Adam Maslia from The Finest Community Coalition, accuse her of promoting violence against Jews, which has raised safety concerns for the festival. In reaction, three city councilmembers and the mayor have announced they will not attend the event. The Pride Military Department has also withdrawn due to safety apprehensions for active and veteran service members. The Pride board has promised increased security and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech.

Lindsey Stamper, a frequent Pride attendee, expressed support for Kehlani's performance, suggesting that inclusion remains vital for the queer community. Meanwhile, the Antisemitism Task Force has launched the “Pride Not Prejudice” campaign to advocate for Kehlani's removal. Despite the ongoing controversy, ticket sales have doubled compared to the previous year, indicating strong community interest in the event.