​Adonis issues statement following reported legal warning over retracted ‘no Zionists’ post

London queer party Adonis and its founder Shay Malt have issued a statement following a reported legal action issued against the club night over an alleged 'anti-Zionism policy'.

Adonis said in a statement on Saturday, September 14, that it has “retracted a ‘no Zionists’ post that was briefly online”, calling it a “flippant, ill considered retort to the ongoing abuse, attacks, and death threats we continue to experience on social media”.

The statement followed a Jewish News report that the licence holders of London nightclub The Cause, where Adonis has hosted regular parties, has faced “legal action” following the public comment made by Adonis.

According to Jewish News, the Campaign Against Antisemitism wrote a “legal letter” to the co-directors of DL Food and Drink Limited, the company that holds the licence for The Cause, quoting a poll conducted in 2023 which found that “80% of British Jews consider themselves to be Zionist, and only 6% do not”.

The poll was conducted between November 12 to 17 November, 2023, with 3,744 responses.

Mixmag reached out to the Campaign Against Antisemitism for comment, with a spokesperson writing: "We will always take firm action against anyone that seeks to enforce a ban on the vast majority of Jews. There can be no place for the exclusion of Jews or other minorities in the arts."

Adonis has since claimed that “no such policy was implemented”, and that it “never has and never would deny entry to anyone based on their race, ethnicity, gender or religion or any of the protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.”

The party noted that it retains its inclusive values, pointing back to a statement issued in early August where it claims to have been the victim of a smear campaign following pro-Palestine posts online, which been met with “hate and violent threats” in recent months.

The previous statement explained: “At Adonis, Jewish people have always been both welcome and present. It would go against all we stand for to exclude anyone based on their ethnicity or race.

“As queer people however, we believe we have a duty to stand in solidarity against oppression in all its forms; this includes from religious fundamentalists of all variations, far-right ultra-nationalists, racists, xenophobes, and genocide apologists.

“Our ongoing support for Palestinian justice, which we understand may come across as divisive in its tone, is based on our anger, horror, and despair at the current situation unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank.”

Stuart Glen of DL Food and Drink Limited reportedly responded to Jewish News' request for comment, explaining that an “internal review” was underway and that The Cause is against racism and hate. A planned Adonis event due to take place at The Cause on September 7 did not go ahead.

Forthcoming Adonis parties in October, November, and December are currently scheduled, with the event details indicating the party has parted ways with The Cause, citing "Adonis 2.0. New Location". Adonis is not featured among The Cause's upcoming club listings.

Mixmag has reached out to The Cause for comment.

Read Adonis' statements below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter