Musical Performances Cancelled At “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” Premiere Following Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

This past weekend, Disney released a brand new documentary on Hulu and Disney+ around the world called “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery”. 

Onspired by the 2019 article “Building a Mystery: An Oral History of Lilith Fair” from Vanity Fair and Epic Magazine, written by Jessica Hopper with Sasha Geffen and Jenn Pelly, “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story” tells the history of the groundbreaking music festival featuring only women artists, started by iconic Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan and her team in the late 1990s, in opposition to systematic industry barriers that limited women from playing together on a concert bill and getting back-to-back airplay on the radio. It draws from more than 600 hours of never-before-seen archival footage as well as new interviews and stories from fans, festival organisers and artists.

The documentary reunites and features interviews with original Lilith Fair artists Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu, Paula Cole, Jewel, Mýa, Natalie Merchant, Indigo Girls and Emmylou Harris and a new generation of artists who have carried the torch, including Brandi Carlile and Olivia Rodrigo, among others As the film celebrates the festival’s groundbreaking legacy and impact, it also confronts the backlash that tried to diminish it and explores what Lilith means in today’s world.

This past Sunday evening, ABC News Studios cancelled its plans for a red carpet event for the premiere event in Los Angeles for the documentary, with Sarah McLachlan, Olivia Rodrigo and Jewel pulling out of performing at the event, following the backlash to Disney’s decision to put the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show on hold indefinitely due to the requests from ABC’s affiliates Nexstar and Sinclar, who were placed under press from the head of FCC Brendan Carr following Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about the murder of Charlie Kirk.

According to THR, at the premiere screening, Lilith Fair co-founder Sarah McLachlan, introduced the film and announced that the performances were cancelled in a move of solidarity to support free speech. 

“It’s a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with, the stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech.  I think we’re all fearful for what comes next, and none of us know, but what I do know is that I have to keep pushing forward as an artist, as a woman to find a way through, and though I don’t begin to know what the answer is, I believe we all need to work towards a softening to let in the possibility of a better way, because I see music as a bridge to our shared humanity, to finding common ground.

If Lilith taught me anything, it taught me there is a great strength in coming together to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. So I really hope this documentary inspires everyone to continue to try and create positive change in your communities, to keep lifting each other up, keep championing the causes you believe in with kindness and empathy because ultimately we’re all in this together.

I know you’re expecting a performance tonight, and I’m so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech.  Thank you for your understanding.”

Roger’s Take:  No doubt, Disney wouldn’t have wanted this premiere event to build more pressure on them regarding the Jimmy Kimmel situation, which will likely continue to cause them problems from both sides.  It’s been reported that Disney is planning on having more meetings this week with Jimmy Kimmel to try to find a resolution to the problem, as the studio will find it difficult to please everyone, but by backing down to pressure from the afflifates, FCC and the government, they are likely to face more pressure from its creative side of the business who want Disney to stand up for free speech. 

“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” is out now on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States and on Disney+ around the world. 

What do you think of the stars of “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery” not appearing on the red carpet?  Let me know on social media!