Sarah McLachlan performed a song from her new album, Better Broken, on the first episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the show was temporarily suspended, sparking protests and debates over First Amendment rights.
Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery explores the all-woman music festival from the 1990s and early 2000s. Organized by McLachlan, it featured acts such as Sinead O'Connor, Liz Phair, Indigo Girls and Mya.
Appearing at the documentary's premiere, McLachlan announced she and other musical acts would not perform out of support for free speech. She did not mention Kimmel by name, but the decision came in the wake of the late-night host's suspension.
"It's a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I've grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with, the stark contradiction to the many advances we've made watching the insidious erosion of women's rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech," the star said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"I know you're expecting a performance tonight, and I'm so grateful to all of you for coming, and I apologize if this is disappointing, but we have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech," she later added.Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that in addition to McLachlan, Jewel -- another Lilith Fair mainstay -- was expected to perform at the premiere, along with a third, surprise guest.
Before her performance Tuesday, Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue after returning from this suspension over comments he made related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
"This show is not important," he said. "What's important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this."
