Key facts
- John Malkovich canceled a planned performance in Tel Aviv.
- The cancellation followed the attribution of fabricated quotes to Malkovich by a PR firm.
- The quotes expressed solidarity with Israel.
- Malkovich stated he did not make the quoted statements and they were not approved by him.
- The PR firm admitted to incorrectly attributing the quotes and apologized.
John Malkovich has canceled a planned performance in Tel Aviv next year after a public relations firm hired by the show's promoter attributed fabricated quotes to the actor. The quotes, which expressed solidarity with Israel, were published on September 5 and picked up by various media outlets, including the Hollywood Reporter and the Jerusalem Post.
Malkovich, 72, stated in a September 8th statement to the Hollywood Reporter that he never made the quoted remarks, nor was he consulted beforehand. He described the situation as "unacceptable and untenable" and therefore decided not to participate in the Tel Aviv performance scheduled for April 13.
The PR firm admitted to the error, issuing an apology for "incorrectly" attributing the statements to Malkovich and clarifying that he did not authorize or approve them.
In his statement, Malkovich further distanced himself from any implied political endorsement, explaining that his appearances in any country do not constitute approval of that country's policies or leaders, nor do they signify solidarity with any political cause. He last visited Israel in 2013 for a stage performance and was a guest of honor at the Jerusalem film festival five years prior.
Malkovich's career has seen him perform globally, and he has previously described himself as not being a "political person." He concluded his statement by asserting his right to artistic freedom and cautioning against attributing words to him without consent.
Discussion