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By Megan Cartwright
Associate News Editor
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British comedian John Cleese canceled his upcoming shows in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which were scheduled for late November and early December and had reportedly sold out.
Alon Yurik Productions, the Israeli promoter, asserted that Cleese had “succumbed to threats from BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) organizations,” per The Jewish Chronicle. However, Cleese addressed "some facts that needed clarifying" in a statement released on November 11.
Newsweek reached out to Cleese's representative via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
The (BDS) movement has condemned cultural events in Israel for years, with international artists often caught in the middle. In 2017, Lorde canceled a concert in Tel Aviv, and in 2010, Elvis Costello also chose to forgo his show.
Amid the Israel-Hamas war, calls from the BDS movement for boycotts of events in Israel have risen.
According to the BDS website, "Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions is a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality. BDS upholds the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity."
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What To Know
In a statement posted to his official Facebook and X accounts on Tuesday, Cleese said: "Contrary to the claims made by Alon Yurik Productions last night - which were subsequently reported - I am having to reschedule my shows in Israel planned for later this month following advice about safety. At 86, that is obviously all important.
He said that he would be rescheduling the shows.
The statement comes following a slew of X posts Cleese previously shared about Israel. The Monty Python star, known for his outspoken political views, reacted to Irish President Michael D Higgins' prior remarks that those who criticize the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are "antisemitic."
"Many, many Jews criticise Netanyahu Are they all being antisemitic?" Cleese asked his followers on Tuesday.
Back in May, the actor riled up Donald Trump's supporters when he compared the U.S. president to Adolf Hitler, which he later apologized for.
What People Are Saying
John Cleese wrote on X: "I will rearrange these shows as soon as it's possible - and I would be happy to perform without receiving any fee. I am hugely fond of Israeli audiences and send my sincere apologies to all the people who bought tickets."
What Happens Next
The rescheduling of Cleese's Israel tour dates remains uncertain, with no replacement dates announced at the time of publication.
Update 11/11/25, 11:41 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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