The Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) has long been a beacon of creativity, art, and community, where everyone should feel safe and welcome. But that reputation is now at risk.

On November 2, KPC plans to host Mohsen Namjoo, a performer with serious and well-documented allegations of sexual assault, attempted rape, and abusive behavior. Namjoo has a long history of misogyny, verbal abuse, and harassment toward members of our community.

These accusations have understandably caused distress within the Iranian community and beyond. Mohsen Namjoo has been labeled as a misogynistic harasser by numerous figures within the Iranian artistic and academic community and the diaspora due to his hate speech and verbal assaults on gender and religious minorities. Despite his denial of these claims, a disturbing 17-minute audio recording has surfaced in which he is heard making deeply offensive remarks, including minimizing the trauma of rape survivors, disparaging the #MeToo movement, and displaying explicit hatred toward a survivor who practices the Baha'i faith. 

In light of the seriousness of the allegations and the controversy surrounding Mohsen Namjoo's comments, we firmly believe that providing a platform to an individual with such allegations only undermines the safety and comfort of women and other sexual and gender minorities within and beyond the community. 

Abusers use such stages to gain legitimacy and extend their influence, perpetuating cycles of harm and silencing those who speak out. No survivor should have to fear encountering their abuser in a space meant to offer solace, inspiration, and joy.

In recognition of KPC long-held commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible community where everyone feels welcome and valued, it is imperative to reconsider the hosting of this concert. Continuing with the event as planned could undermine the KPC's staunch stance against sexual harassment and hatred and its ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment.

We call upon KPC to:

• Cancel Mohsen Namjoo’s concert scheduled for November 2.
• Adopt a transparent and comprehensive vetting process that considers personal conduct and community impact when selecting performers.
• Collaborate with local survivor advocacy groups to ensure safety, inclusivity, and accountability in future programming.

The transformative power of art must never come at the expense of human dignity. Let’s make sure KPC remains a space where everyone — especially survivors — feels safe, valued, and heard.

Sign this petition today to urge Kirkland Performance Center to uphold its values and refuse to give a platform to abusers.

Together, we can demand accountability and build a community where art uplifts, rather than harms.

Appendix:

Specific Incident: On July 14, 2013, in California, after a musical event, Mr. Namjoo made an unsolicited advance toward a woman, identified as "Mahi," under the guise of hospitality. His unwanted and aggressive behavior culminated in a physical altercation and an immediate expulsion from the residence. Mahi, supported by the host, subsequently filed a police complaint against Namjoo for sexual assault and attempted rape. Iran International's investigative reporters documented this incident and other allegations against Namjoo in May 2021.

Professional Misconduct: In 2014, Mohsen Namjoo tried to leverage his position of power by inviting a co-actor, Bushra, to his hotel room. He attempted to bar her from the project and hinder her artistic pursuits upon her refusal. There have also been instances where Namjoo has sent threatening emails, one of which was addressed to an Iran International program presenter.

Disturbing Remarks: In April 2021, an audio tape surfaced where Namjoo derided his critics and made troubling statements about consent. He suggested that a woman's "no" does not necessarily mean refusal and recounted a personal incident highlighting his coercive behavior. This audio, lasting seventeen minutes, was riddled with sexist, misogynistic remarks and hate speech.