Bayreuth Festival director reportedly apologizes to Michel Friedman after speech cancellation

Katharina Wagner, the head of the Bayreuth Festival, has apparently issued an apology to publicist Michel Friedman after a week-long controversy surrounding the cancellation of his planned speech. The "Süddeutsche Zeitung" reported that Wagner assured Friedman in a letter that "a pure celebration would be unbearable for me!" and asked for his forgiveness, stating, "I am truly very sorry!"

“

A pure celebration would be unbearable for me!

The controversy erupted when Friedman's speech, intended to discuss Richard Wagner's antisemitism and his descendants' involvement with the Nazi regime, was abruptly canceled due to alleged "security concerns." The speech was also meant to address the lack of historical reckoning. The occasion was the 150th anniversary of the festival, an event with a complex history, including Adolf Hitler's patronage and Festival director Winifred Wagner's admiration for the dictator.

Reports indicate that the festival organizers knew internally by spring that Friedman's appearance would not proceed as planned, with advance ticket sales for the commemorative concert never starting. The venue was informed in mid-March that the reservation could be canceled. Friedman had previously criticized the cancellation, calling it "the death by suicide in a democracy" and stating that it rendered the "seriousness of confronting the antisemite Wagner absurd."

“

I am truly very sorry!

Festival director Katharina Wagner reportedly called Friedman personally on Thursday to apologize for "misjudgments" and the "fatal news." She also invited him to Bayreuth to speak at the originally planned time. Friedman has accepted the invitation, and the event is expected to proceed as initially intended.

“

The seriousness of confronting the antisemite Wagner is rendered absurd by this cancellation.