Uzbek singer's Mother's Day concert canceled after antisemitism accusations spark political backlash
A planned Mother’s Day concert by Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmonova in Brighton Beach has been called off after protests from Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman. The event, set for the Oceana Theater, was cancelled following accusations of antisemitism linked to the performer’s past remarks.
The dispute has drawn attention in South Brooklyn, a key Republican voting area that strongly backed Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Blakeman, currently campaigning for governor against Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul, publicly opposed the concert. He accused Usmonova of making antisemitic statements in the past and demanded the venue cancel the show. A coalition led by Blakeman argued that hosting her would promote hate speech.
The Oceana Theater responded by refunding all tickets and scrapping the event. In a statement, the venue said it stood firmly against antisemitism and any form of discrimination.
Asiya Burgos, the concert’s producer, insisted the performance was purely cultural, meant for the local Uzbek community. She claimed Blakeman and other officials exploited the situation for political gain, particularly ahead of the election. Usmonova herself addressed the controversy in an Instagram video, arguing she was being targeted for criticising Israel.
Blakeman has been a vocal supporter of Israel during his campaign. His 2023 tax returns revealed he earned $3,784 from Israeli bonds, a detail that surfaced amid the dispute. The cancellation leaves the Uzbek community without its planned Mother’s Day event. The Oceana Theater has reaffirmed its stance against hate speech, while Burgos maintains the concert was unfairly politicised. Blakeman’s campaign continues to highlight his pro-Israel position as the gubernatorial race progresses.
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