Sarah McLachlan Joins Free Speech Protest, Cancels 'Lilith Fair' Doc Debut Performance

Sarah McLachlan Cancels Performance at 'Lilith Fair' Doc Debut Amid Backlash to Kimmel Suspension In a show of support for free speech, singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan announced that she and other scheduled performers would not be taking the stage at Sunday's (Sept. 21) premiere of the documentary "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" on Disney-owned ABC. According to sources, McLachlan expressed her concerns about the current state of free speech in a statement at the premiere. "It's a gift for all of us to see this film, but also I've grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with," she said. "The stark contraction to the many advances we've made watching the insidious erosion of women's rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech." McLachlan's statement seemed to be a clear reference to the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by Disney, which has sparked widespread backlash from celebrities and fans alike. The suspension was seen as an attempt to censor Kimmel's criticism of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. The premiere of "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" is a documentary that chronicles McLachlan's launch of the all-female touring music festival in 1997, which aimed to promote female empowerment and inclusivity in the music industry. The film has been described as a celebration of women's rights and free speech. Other performers scheduled to appear at the premiere have also expressed their support for McLachlan's decision. "We stand with Sarah McLachlan and all those who believe in the importance of free speech," said a spokesperson for one of the performers, who wished to remain anonymous. The suspension of Kimmel Live! has sparked a heated debate about censorship and free speech in the entertainment industry. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and support for Kimmel's right to free expression. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Disney will respond to the backlash and whether other performers will follow McLachlan's lead in showing their support for free speech. Background: The Lilith Fair festival was a groundbreaking event that aimed to promote female empowerment and inclusivity in the music industry. The festival featured an all-female lineup of artists, including McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and Fiona Apple, among others. The documentary "Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery" chronicles the history of the festival and its impact on the music industry. Additional Perspectives: Olivia Rodrigo, another Disney-owned artist, has also spoken out against Kimmel's suspension, calling it "blatant censorship." Margo Price, who performed on Kimmel's show before his suspension, expressed her gratitude for being able to share her anti-fascist song with a wider audience. Current Status: The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how Disney will respond to the backlash. However, one thing is certain - the debate about censorship and free speech in the entertainment industry has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of protecting artistic expression. As McLachlan's statement suggests, this is not just about Kimmel or his show, but about the erosion of women's rights, trans and queer rights, and the muzzling of free speech. The question remains - what will be the outcome of this controversy, and how will it impact the entertainment industry as a whole? *Reporting by Billboard.*