In a show of solidarity, Sarah McLachlan and other performers boycotted the premiere of the Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery documentary on Sunday, september 21, in response to Disney‘s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The protest was rooted in concerns over free speech.

McLachlan stated at the documentary’s 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, 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.” The documentary explores the creation of the Lilith Fair, the groundbreaking all-female music festival launched in 1997.

While McLachlan didn’t directly mention Kimmel or his suspension, the connection was clear, given that the Lilith documentary is broadcast on Hulu, which is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC.

McLachlan, along with Jewel, had been scheduled to perform at the premiere. “I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but rather to stand in solidarity in support of free speech,” McLachlan announced. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the premiere invitation alluded to “special surprise performances,” and a source indicated that McLachlan and Jewel were expected to perform with an additional surprise guest.

McLachlan emphasized the importance of perseverance and unity,stating,”I think we’re all fearful for what comes next,and none of us know,but what I do know is that I have to keep pushing forward as an artist,as a woman to find a way through,and tho I don’t begin to know what the answer is,I believe we all need to work towards a softening to let in the possibility of a better way,as I see music as a bridge to our shared humanity,to finding common ground.”

Reflecting on the lessons learned from launching Lilith Fair, McLachlan added, “If Lilith taught me anything, it taught me there is a great strength in coming together to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. So I really hope this documentary inspires everyone to continue to try and create positive change in your communities, to keep lifting each other up, keep championing the causes you believe in with kindness and empathy because ultimately we’re all in this together.”

The performance boycott at The Ford in L.A. represents the first meaningful public repercussion for Disney following the suspension of Kimmel’s show after jokes made during his monologue on September 15 regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. the suspension has triggered boycott calls against disney’s various businesses.

During the monologue, Kimmel stated, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” These remarks reportedly angered the Trump management and many conservatives, especially as the investigation into the shooting’s motive continues.

After station owners Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would preempt Kimmel’s show,Disney suspended the show indefinitely. The decision has sparked widespread controversy, drawing criticism from fellow late-night hosts, prominent actors, and free speech advocates who fear the move is a capitulation to political pressure and a threat to free speech rights.

Olivia Rodrigo, who is featured in the Lilith film, expressed her dismay over Kimmel’s suspension on social media, stating she was, “so upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power.I stand with Jimmy Kimmel and I stand for freedom of speech.”

“I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming…we have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech.”