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// DOSSIER — portuguese-artists-boycott-lisbon-comedy-festival-seinfeld-israel
Portuguese Artists Boycott Lisbon Comedy Festival Over Headliner Jerry Seinfeld's Support for Israel
REL_TIME: 09 Sep 2026 11:13Z · LANG: EN
Several Portuguese artists and performers have pulled out of Lisbon's inaugural MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest, scheduled for October 29 to November 1. The withdrawals are in protest of American comedian Jerry Seinfeld, the festival's headliner, who has been an outspoken advocate for Israel since October 2023. Boycotting acts include Inês Aires Pereira, comedy duo Cebola Mol, Pedro Tochas, Vhils, Tributo Pop, and Conjunto Cuca Monga. In response, organizers are reportedly considering scaling down the event or seeking replacement acts.
// Background
Jerry Seinfeld, historically non-political, became a prominent defender of Israel following the October 2023 hostilities, visiting hostage families in Israel in December 2023. The MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest is a new international comedy festival set to run from October 29 to November 1 in Lisbon, Portugal.
// Key Developments
- At least six Portuguese acts canceled their appearances or requested their names be removed from festival promotional materials.
- Jerry Seinfeld is scheduled to headline the event, marking his first live performance in Portugal.
- Comedian Inês Aires Pereira stated 'We cannot relativize or normalize a genocide' when withdrawing her show Namastê.
- Festival organizers considered scaling down the event strictly to Seinfeld's closing performance before exploring replacement acts.
// Timeline
-
Conflict escalates in Gaza; Jerry Seinfeld becomes a prominent pro-Israel public advocate.
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Jerry Seinfeld travels to Israel to meet with families of hostages taken by Hamas.
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Multiple Portuguese artists announce their withdrawal from MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest in protest.
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Scheduled dates for the inaugural MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest in Lisbon.
// Perspectives
[Withdrawing Portuguese Artists]
Opposed to performing alongside Jerry Seinfeld due to his vocal defense of Israel and stances on the Gaza conflict, showing solidarity with Palestinians.
[Jerry Seinfeld and Representatives]
Have offered no public response or comment regarding the boycott.
[Festival Organizers]
Left scrambling due to cancellations, evaluating options such as downsizing the schedule or finding replacement acts.
// Quotes
“persistently defends ideas and acts that I consider indefensible... We cannot relativize or normalize a genocide.”
“We will celebrate justice, freedom and joy with you on another occasion.”
“The Klan is actually a little better here because they can come right out and say, ‘We don’t like Blacks, we don’t like Jews.’ OK, that’s honest.”
