Amid Backlash Over Kimmel Suspension, Sarah McLachlan Says ‘Lilith Fair’ Doc Premiere Performances Canceled “In Support of Free Speech”

In response to Disney’s temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Sarah McLachlan announced that she and other artists who were scheduled to appear would not perform at the documentary premiere of Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery on September 21, 2025. McLachlan framed the decision as an act of solidarity in defense of free expression.

Speaking at the film’s premiere, McLachlan reflected on the stakes facing artists and marginalized communities, saying she had struggled with whether to speak publicly but ultimately felt compelled to take a stand against what she described as a narrowing of civil liberties and the silencing of diverse voices. Her brief statement at the event was shared online. View the post.

Although McLachlan did not explicitly name Jimmy Kimmel or the network’s decision, the context was evident: the documentary is airing on Hulu, which is owned by Disney, the same parent company that owns ABC.

“I know you were expecting a performance tonight, and I am so grateful to everyone who came. I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have decided not to perform and instead to stand together in support of free speech,” McLachlan said, noting that she and Jewel had been expected to appear with another surprise guest.

The Hollywood Reporter observed that invitations to the premiere promised “special surprise performances” without specifying artists, and that insiders had identified McLachlan and Jewel among those slated to perform. Read more.

McLachlan also invoked lessons from founding Lilith Fair, recalling how the festival proved the power of unity and collaboration when skeptics doubted the box-office draw of multiple female headliners. She urged attendees and viewers to channel that same spirit—lifting one another up, working compassionately for change, and using music as a bridge toward shared understanding.

The cancelled performances at The Ford in Los Angeles mark one of the first notable public consequences for Disney following its decision to suspend Kimmel’s show last week after a Sept. 15 monologue that referenced a recent shooting and drew sharp criticism from conservative figures. The suspension has prompted widespread debate, with late-night hosts, actors and free-speech advocates condemning the move as capitulation to political pressure.

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo, who appears in the Lilith documentary, used social media over the weekend to express her dismay, writing that she was “so upset over this blatant censorship and abuse of power” and stating her support for Jimmy Kimmel and for freedom of speech.

Source