Hasan Piker Defends New Yorker Festival Invitation Amid Antisemitism Backlash

Lead Hasan Piker issued a public statement on X today in New York City, defending his upcoming appearance at the New Yorker Festival and rejecting recent antisemitism allegations leveled by the ADL and critics.

Nut Graf Piker’s response addresses sustained criticism over past remarks about Israel, Hamas and 9/11, emphasizing his commitment to open debate and contextualizing his comments. The exchange highlights tensions between free speech advocates and groups that view his rhetoric as extremist.

Festival Appearance and Response Hasan Piker is scheduled to join a “New Political Arena” roundtable at the New Yorker Festival on October 9. After the Anti-Defamation League called his inclusion “normalizing terror” and urged his disqualification, Piker posted on X: “I stand by my record of interrogating power structures, not targeting any community. I welcome tough conversations at the Festival.”

ADL Criticism On September 4, the ADL tweeted that hosting Piker alongside Salman Rushdie “launders terror” and “reinforces bigotry,” citing his past comments that “America deserved 9/11” and comparing the Houthis to Anne Frank. The Festival’s organizers have defended their choice, citing the importance of diverse viewpoints.

Supporters Rally Progressive commentators and fans quickly rallied behind Piker today. On his stream, co-host Ana Kasparian noted that “Piker pushes boundaries but prompts vital debate,” while viewers organized a social-media campaign under #PlatformDebate to highlight concerns over censorship.

Organizers Stand Firm New Yorker Festival director Robert Boyers reaffirmed the invitation in a statement released today: “Our mission is to foster rigorous discussion. Hasan Piker’s voice, however contentious, contributes to that dialogue.” Festival tickets remain on sale, and the roundtable is expected to draw a large audience.

Broader Free Speech Debate Piker’s defense reflects ongoing debates over platforms for controversial figures. While opponents argue his rhetoric crosses lines into hate speech, supporters view attempts to disinvite him as a threat to open discourse. Today’s exchanges signal that the controversy will persist through the Festival and beyond.