John Malkovich cancels his performance in Israel and claims: "I did not say the things attributed to me"
American actor John Malkovich has canceled his scheduled performance in Israel in April 2027, after a press release included quotes attributed to him without authorization. Malkovich claimed he did not approve the quotes, which were drafted by a public relations company hired by the Israeli producer, and that he was not consulted before their publication. He clarified that his performances do not constitute an endorsement of any policy or political goals.
American actor John Malkovich has canceled his scheduled performance in Israel, which was set to take place on April 13, 2027, at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. The show, "The Music Critic," is a satirical theatrical-musical performance by violinist and composer Aleksey Igudesman. The cancellation came after Malkovich claimed that a press release distributed on September 5 included quotes attributed to him without authorization, including statements such as "excited to return to Israel" and "looking forward to meeting the warm Israeli audience again." According to him, a public relations company hired by the show's producer in Israel drafted the quotes, and he was not asked to approve them before their publication. Malkovich learned of the publication only after reading an article in The Hollywood Reporter, which was based on a report in The Jerusalem Post. He clarified that his performances do not constitute an endorsement of any country's policy, actions, or leaders, nor do they indicate support for a political cause, the killing of innocent people, terrorism, or barbarism. Malkovich has visited Israel before, in 2008 as a guest of the Jerusalem Film Festival and in 2013 with a performance as part of the Eilat Chamber Music Festival.