The Meo Commedia a La Carte Fest takes place in Lisbon between October 29 and November 1 at Meo Arena, with American comedian Jerry Seinfeld as headliner. Seinfeld's presence, marked by controversial positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, including comparisons of the Palestinian liberation movement to the Ku Klux Klan and statements that Palestine "does not exist," has generated a wave of cancellations among artists.
Several names on the lineup have already withdrawn from the festival. Carolina Deslandes, Tatanka and Bárbara Tinoco cancelled the "Pop Tribute" show, as did Conjunto Cuca Monga. The duo Cebola Mole left in protest on social media, posting an image of a watermelon, a symbol of support for Palestine. Inês Aires Pereira publicly stated her reasons for leaving, saying she could not "relativize or normalize a genocide." Pedro Tochas and visual artist Vhils also cancelled their appearances.
The festival was created by the improv comedy group Commedia a La Carte, which brings together César Mourão, Ricardo Peres and Carlos M. Cunha, with César Mourão revealing that the invitation to Seinfeld was made two years ago, considering him "one of the greatest comedians in the world." Meo, as naming sponsor, is under increasing pressure, with its "Humaniza-te" tagline being used on social media as a weapon of institutional criticism.
Two communication specialists analyzed the situation. José Franco, from Corpcom, defends that the brand should not react impulsively or cancel support due to media pressure, arguing that sponsoring a comedy event does not mean taking a political position. Maria Domingas Carvalhosa, from Wisdom Consulting, warns that prolonged silence is risky and that "Humaniza-te" has ceased to be merely an advertising tagline, becoming a reputational contract that demands consistency between stated values and decisions made. Meo did not respond to +M's questions before the article's publication.
