Turkish authorities announced the cancellation of French singer Enrico Macias’ concert in Istanbul, which was scheduled for Friday, following widespread calls on social media to protest his pro-Tel Aviv stances.

The Istanbul Governorate stated in a press release that the decision was taken to protect citizens from potential legal risks, despite the legitimacy of the protest calls, noting that demonstrators demanded opposition to what they described as the "genocide being committed in Gaza and by its supporters."

Authorities also imposed a ban on all public gatherings around the Harbiye Cemil Theater on September 5, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., covering concerts, sit-ins, demonstrations, and press statements.

Widespread public rejection Macias (86) has faced growing anger in Turkey due to his statements supporting Tel Aviv’s policies. In recent days, calls to protest his concert circulated widely.

The Freedom of Thought and Education Rights Association (Özgür-Der) had called for a demonstration at the Harbiye Theater, stating: "We reject the presence of the Zionist settler Enrico Macias in Turkey." After the concert was canceled, the association clarified on its X account that the protest was no longer necessary.

Macias expressed his shock and sadness at being unable to meet his fans in Turkey, telling Agence France-Presse that he had been performing there for nearly 60 years and had always shared values of peace and brotherhood with his audience.

He has repeatedly defended Israeli military operations since the October 2023 “Al-Aqsa Flood” events.

A global artistic career Macias rose to fame with his song "Farewell My Homeland" and later achieved international success with songs in French, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Hebrew, and Greek. He has a large following in Turkey, especially after performing with Turkish singer Ajda Pekkan in several concerts, including their 1976 show at Paris’ Olympia Hall. He also returned to the Istanbul stage in 2019, describing Turkey as his "second home."