Beverly Hills Theatre Cancels Comedian After Failing Political Litmus Test

A Beverly Hills theatre canceled an Israeli comedian’s show after he refused to publicly declare on social media that he opposes genocide.

The Fine Arts Theatre demanded Guy Hochman make the statement before his scheduled stand-up performance, according to an Instagram post from a Jewish news account. The venue said it received complaints about Hochman and researched the accusations. Theatre management admitted it found no proof beyond the original claims.

Still, the venue insisted Hochman post a public declaration stating he does not support “genocide, rape, starvation, and torture of Palestinian civilians.” When Hochman refused, the theatre canceled his show and banned him from performing there. (RELATED: Court Orders Theater To Screen Israeli Movie After Backlash)

Hochman accused the venue of singling out Israeli and Jewish artists and imposing political loyalty tests.

‘You can only tell jokes if you publicly state you’re not a murderer rapist evil Jew.’ pic.twitter.com/xJHbA2GoUi

— Josh Howie (@joshxhowie) January 24, 2026

An update to the Instagram post revealed the decision came from a third-party booking company rather than the theatre’s owner. The owner is Jewish, observes Shabbat, and was reportedly furious about the cancellation.

The Beverly Hills incident follows a pattern of disruptions during Hochman’s North American tour.

Broadway Comedy Club in Manhattan canceled his show Tuesday after protesters blocked the entrance, Jewish Insider reported. The venue’s owner, Carolyn Martin, did not respond to a request for comment from the outlet.

Hochman told Jewish Insider the owner “was afraid and canceled the show.”

He performed an alternative show outside for his fans despite freezing temperatures, the Jerusalem Post reported. The comedian wore an Israeli flag and mocked protesters while greeting fans and keeping spirits light.

The day before the New York cancellation, Canadian authorities detained Hochman for six hours at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA). The Hind Rajab Foundation, a pro-Palestinian legal group, had filed a complaint accusing him of war crimes. The Israeli ambassador intervened to secure his release.

The foundation later retracted a specific claim that Hochman participated in destroying a mosque, JTA reported.