"Racism is not entertainment": Avigdor Lieberman against the broadcasting corporation
A promo for the new season of "Four Weddings" sparked a storm following a statement by one of the participants against Russian and Amharic speakers. "They have lost their minds - racism is a red line," attacked Avigdor Lieberman, while MK Vladimir Beliak called on the corporation to "remove the racist from the screen and apologize." On behalf of Kan 11 it was stated: "This is a humorous program. In the full segment, the program's presenter voices clear criticism of the way the bride expresses herself."
Next week, on Sunday, the new season of "Four Weddings" will air on Kan 11, but even before the first episode is broadcast, a promo for the program is already causing a storm. A segment in which one of the participants speaks out against Russian and Amharic speakers has drawn criticism on social media and also from members of the Knesset, who claimed that this is racism that has no place on the screen.
"Four Weddings" follows four brides each week who attend each other's weddings and rate the events, accompanied by comedic narration. In the promo for the new season, one of the brides is seen saying to the camera:
"Russians. I cannot hear the language. I cannot hear the language. I walk through the supermarket and places and it seeps into my brain. Amharic too, I cannot hear."
The segment sparked many reactions on social media. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman wrote on his X account:
"Kan 11 have lost their minds. We are in 2026 and racism is still getting a stage in prime time. Racism is not entertainment. Racism is a red line."
MK Vladimir Beliak from Yesh Atid also attacked the broadcast:
"Tell me, Kan 11 - if it weren't about the Russian language, would you also be laughing at this disgusting racism? Remove this racist from the screen and apologize."
Kan, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, responded to the remarks:
"The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation opposes any racist statement or insinuation, and acts in a long line of programs it broadcasts against racism in Israeli society. The program 'Four Weddings' is based on a format where four brides, different from one another, are invited to each other's weddings. This is a humorous program. The segment in question is part of a whole segment in which one of the brides laughs and criticizes herself and the way her family members and friends will celebrate her own wedding. In the full segment, the program's presenter voices clear criticism of the way the bride expresses herself."
