Stand-up comedian Michael Rapaport has claimed that his performance at the Stardome Comedy Club in Birmingham, Alabama, was canceled due to protests and threats stemming from his outspoken support for Israel, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a post on his X account, Rapaport expressed his frustration that his show was pulled, stating, ‘I did not cancel. I would never cancel—especially since I’m already here in Birmingham, ready to perform.’ He emphasized that the decision was not his, but rather the outcome of a situation he described as ’embarrassing’ and ‘sad.’
Rapaport’s remarks come amid ongoing global tensions related to Israel’s actions in Gaza, where 50 hostages remain in captivity. The comedian asserted that his advocacy for the release of these hostages has drawn significant attention and criticism. He criticized the protesters for focusing on him rather than the broader issue of hostages, saying, ‘Six hundred and seventy days in captivity—and people are protesting me for demanding their release? It’s embarrassing. It’s sad. But I’m not ashamed. I stand by what I say and who I stand with.’
Despite the incident, Rapaport shared a positive moment during the event, stating that he met members of the Chabad of Alabama community and had the opportunity to participate in a religious practice by wrapping tefillin. This act, which is a significant Jewish tradition, reinforced the importance of his connection to the community. He described it as a ‘ginormous mitz nad’ and a ‘reminder of what really matters,’ with the phrase ‘Am Yisrael Chai,’ meaning ‘The People of Israel Live,’ underscoring his commitment to Jewish culture and safety.
The Stardome Comedy Club has not yet released a statement regarding the situation, which has left the matter unclear. However, Rapaport noted that the event’s page on the Stardome website had been removed, with a broken link for his show, which was scheduled for Tuesday with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Rapaport’s post also included links to other Fox News stories on antisemitism and related issues, suggesting a broader context of Jewish safety and advocacy that has sparked discussions in the media. As the situation continues to unfold, the comedian remains vocal about his position and the importance of advocacy, especially in the face of ongoing tensions and social discourse surrounding Israel and its diaspora.