Israeli music star Eyal Golan's scheduled performance at the Eilat Women's Festival has been canceled following intense public backlash and new allegations from survivors of sexual abuse. The decision came after two women broke years of silence in a powerful television interview, reigniting controversy around one of Israel's most prominent entertainers.
The cancellation announcement on Tuesday by Sarit Productions, a powerhouse in Israel's music industry, followed a searing television interview on KAN 11 where Taisia Zamolowski, now 29, stepped forward to share her story. Zamolowski was the primary plaintiff in a notorious case that saw Golan's father, Daniel Biton, convicted of sexually abusing underage girls.
"The company wishes all women, wherever they are, determination, courage, standing up for their rights, and mental fortitude," Sarit Productions stated, confirming the cancellation of Golan's appearance at the February event.
Zamolowski's account detailed a disturbing pattern of exploitation. She described how Biton allegedly used his son's fame to lure her as a young fan, promising concert access and meetings with Golan. She recounted being manipulated into lying about her age and described a traumatic incident at Golan's apartment during a party where she claims both Golan and another famous singer sexually assaulted her.
The case, known as the "Social Game," led to Biton's conviction in 2015 through a plea bargain. He received a two-year prison sentence for charges including paying underage girls for sex and obstruction of justice. Biton later died of COVID-19 in 2021. While Golan was investigated on suspicion of consensual illicit intercourse and luring minors to use drugs, the case was closed in May 2023 due to insufficient evidence.
The festival controversy has sparked wider reverberations in Israel's entertainment industry. Several performers, including Michal Tsafir and Yana Darom, withdrew from the event following the survivors' interview. The conservative-style Women's Festival, scheduled for February 13-15 in Eilat, has faced criticism since initially announcing Golan's participation.
Golan responded to the allegations on Instagram, denying knowledge of these activities and claiming they occurred "behind his back." He stated he had cut ties with those involved, including his father, and had changed his family name due to his father's actions. Shortly after posting, he made his Instagram account private.
Women's rights organizations have praised the cancellation decision. "This is a necessary and important step that sends a message to all women and men in Israel," said Tal Hochman, chairperson of the Women's Lobby. "There is morality, there is a limit, and there is a price for actions that are not in line with the values on which we raise our children and grandchildren in the State of Israel."
Hagit Pe'er, chairperson of the Women's Movement of Israel, Naamat, offered an alternative suggestion for the festival: "It's not too late to change direction. On an evening intended to celebrate female empowerment, it's appropriate that they invite the brave Taisia Zamolowski to the stage."
UPDATE: Thursday 2 January 2025
The workers at Carrefour supermarkets have pulled the plug on hiring Eyal Golan for their upcoming employee event. This comes as the singer faces mounting pressure that's spreading beyond public venues, with private organizations now following suit in backing away from booking him.
Reporter Ran Boker broke the news today, highlighting how Carrefour's workers' committee is the latest group to nix plans with the singer. It's a notable shift since previously most cancellations came from local governments and municipalities.
JPost contributed to this article.
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