Sarah McLachlan Halts ‘Lilith Fair’ Doc Events to Support Free Speech

## Artists Stand for Free Speech at Lilith Fair Documentary Premiere

Several notable artists, including Sarah McLachlan and Jewel, recently pulled out of their performances at the Los Angeles premiere of the documentary *Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery*. This decision was made to express their commitment to free speech during a time of controversy surrounding the documentary’s distribution by ABC New Studio.

### Background on the Controversy

The premiere event was initially expected to feature “special surprise performances.” Sources reported that both McLachlan and Jewel were set to grace the stage, along with Olivia Rodrigo, who also appears in the documentary. However, following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel due to controversial comments he made about political figure Charlie Kirk, McLachlan announced that the performances would be canceled.

### Sarah McLachlan’s Message

While introducing the film, McLachlan expressed her concerns about the current state of free speech. She commented on the ongoing erosion of women’s rights, as well as rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals. McLachlan emphasized the importance of using art as a means to foster understanding and connection.

“It’s a gift for all of us to see [this film], but I’ve grappled with being here tonight and discussing the present situation… We need to push forward and find better ways to communicate,” she stated.

### Call for Unity and Change

McLachlan stressed the need for community strength, reflecting on the lessons learned from the Lilith Fair. “If Lilith taught me anything, it was that there is great strength in coming together to uplift each other,” she added, encouraging attendees to persist in their advocacy for positive change.

### Conclusion

As the evening came to a close, McLachlan reiterated that the decision to cancel the performances stemmed from a collective choice to stand in solidarity with free speech. She thanked the audience for their understanding and reminded them of the importance of unity in challenging times.

What are your thoughts on the intersection of art and activism?