Amid all the controversy surrounding their current imagery, concert themes, and sexual expression, Sam Smith's Israel concert performance was canceled because of "unforeseeable problems.
Smith started garnering backlash and flak after their Grammy performance of "Unholy" with Kim Petras. Many have pointed out that the satanic imagery and flamboyant expression in their performance was a stark contrast to how he performed back during their debut era.
Sam Smith Israel Concert Performance Canceled
According to a statement shared by The Jerusalem Post, Sam Smith's concert performance in the nation's capital, Tel Aviv, has been canceled.
However, it is not technically because of the controversy behind their recent image.
"Due to unforeseeable technical and logistical problems on May 31, the concerts of that evening (including Sam Smith) will not happen," event organizers revealed in a statement to the outlet.
Refunds will be given to those concertgoers from their respective points of purchase, but 25% refunds will be given to those ticket holders who wanted to keep the ticket for the second day of the supposed music festival.
Sam Smith's performance is included in "By The Summer in the City Festival," which also sees Robbie Williams, Martin Garrix, and Calum Scott, among many others.
Meanwhile, it wasn't only Smith's performance that was canceled, Nunu, and Papa Roach were also canceled. Williams, Garrix, and Scott are still scheduled to play on the second day on Jun. 1, 2023.
READ ALSO: Sam Smith TOUR 2023: Singer Reveals Upcoming Shows Will Be Different From Previous Ones
Sam Smith Faced BDS Campaign
Shortly after Smith was announced to be part of the upcoming lineup, their supposed debut performance in the country was already stained with controversy.
A Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) campaign was launched on social media. It is a Palestinian-led movement to pressure Israel into meeting the country's obligation on International law. This is part of the two countries' legal and national battle with each other.
The BDS campaign has urged Smith not to perform with the country, even launching the #SamDontGo campaign and a petition convincing him not to take part in the festival.
Meanwhile, Smith has faced a huge amount of backlash from anti-LGBTQ and conservative organizations in the United States for their flamboyant and sex-fueled expressions in their music. The queer community has since lauded Smith, who publicly came out as a non-binary.
Smith was supposed to perform a 90-minute from their album "Gloria," among many of the hits from their previous albums.
READ ALSO: Sam Smith Health Condition: Singer Cancels 2 Shows Due to Illness; Rescheduled Dates Revealed
