PORTSMOUTH — The Music Hall is facing backlash, including threats of membership cancellation, for cancelling the Joan G. Lovering Health Center’s fundraising event featuring "No One Asked You," a documentary about abortion rights activists.

Tina Sawtelle, executive director and chief executive of the iconic Chestnut Street venue, confirmed The Music Hall canceled Lovering’s contract on Friday, Oct. 3, six days before the event, after learning of a planned public protest against the reproductive health clinic. The Music Hall leadership said the decision was made for safety reasons.

“The Music Hall’s decision not to host Lovering Health’s rental event was based solely on safety considerations and should not be interpreted as a political statement,” reads an Oct. 10 statement from t

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