Turkey cancels French singer Emma Shapplin’s shows over ‘Israel’ support

Turkey has canceled planned concerts by French soprano Emma Shapplin in Istanbul and Ankara after public backlash over her support for ‘Israel’ and performances there during the ongoing assault on Gaza.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism removed the shows from the program.

Shapplin was scheduled to perform on September 25 at CSO Ada Ankara and on September 29 at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul as part of the Culture Road Festival.

Turkish media reported that the decision followed social media criticism highlighting her visits to Tel Aviv and statements of support while fighting continued in Gaza.

Shapplin, known for blending classical, opera, and contemporary styles, was among the first international artists to perform in ‘Israel’ after the events of October 7.

She has visited multiple times since the war began and spoken openly about her connection to it and its audiences.

In interviews with Hebrew media, including Kan 11, she described a deep bond with ‘Israeli’ fans.

“I had to, it was important to me, especially at [this] time because, when I met people at the end of the show, I realized how much… everybody was suffering,” she said of performing in ‘Israel’ during wartime.

She added: “I think me being on earth has nothing to do with politics and war. I’m not here for that. This special exchange of energies, that’s the most important to me.”

Shapplin has also spoken of an “intense and very mutual connection” with ‘Israeli’ audiences.

Turkish outlets described her as having given open support to ‘Israel’s’ government and people, including claims that she said ‘Israeli’ fans were “smart enough to understand” her visits and that she loved ‘Israelis’ for their “depth and pain.”

Social media users targeted the concerts, framing them as inappropriate amid the heavy civilian toll reported in Gaza.

The cancellations fit a broader pattern in Turkey, where authorities have called off or blocked shows by artists perceived as pro-‘Israel’, including earlier cases involving singers such as Enrico Macias, Robbie Williams, and Morrissey amid similar public pressure and security concerns.

As of the latest reports, the Ministry has not issued a detailed public statement beyond the removal of the dates from the festival schedule, and no alternative performances in Turkey have been announced.