Portuguese performers are withdrawing from the Commedia a La Carte Fest in Lisbon because Jerry Seinfeld is on the lineup, according to multiple reports.
Actress Inês Aires Pereira and comedian Cebola Mol have both cancelled their scheduled appearances at the festival, which is set to feature Seinfeld. The news was first reported by Portuguese outlets RTP, Público, SIC, and Echo Boomer on Saturday.
Aires Pereira explained her decision on social media, saying, “We cannot normalise genocide,” according to SIC. Her statement appears to reference criticism of Seinfeld’s public support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, though the reports do not detail specific remarks by the comedian.
RTP described the situation with a headline that translates to “Normalising a genocide,” suggesting the controversy has become a central issue at the event. Público reported a “wave of cancellations” at the festival, indicating that more than just the two named acts may have withdrawn.
The festival, held in Lisbon, is a comedy event that typically features a mix of international and local performers. Seinfeld’s inclusion has clearly sparked a backlash among some Portuguese artists, who see his presence as legitimising views they oppose.
The exact number of cancellations and the festival organisers’ response have not been disclosed in the available reports. It is also unclear whether the event will proceed with its full planned schedule or if further acts will pull out.
What to watch next: whether the festival organisers issue a statement addressing the withdrawals or adjust the lineup in response to the growing controversy.
