Enough with the conspiracy theories: Here’s why the Seinfeld show was cancelled

The pretzels are making a lot of people very thirsty. Earlier today, a little more than 24 hours before the first show, Jerry Seinfeld’s Mumbai performances were cancelled. The organisers, Only Much Louder, complained that Mumbai’s traffic cops are playing foul.

“in spite of our best efforts to resolve these matters with the authorities quickly, which resulted in suitable alternate parking and traffic plans being arranged, this was not in time to reorganise the required artist travel logistics,” said OML in their announcement. (You can read the full statement here)

But there’s a twist in this tale. According to the Mumbai Police, OML have been given all the permissions that they need. “The permission has been given to the show by the police commissioner after their meeting with him. It has not yet been cancelled,” said Kaiser Khalid, additional commissioner of police (traffic), speaking to Firstpost.

So if the permissions were granted, then why did the show get cancelled?

Social media has been full of speculation. Was the show cancelled at the last minute because not enough tickets were sold? Was Seinfeld making outrageous demands from the organisers? Did Seinfeld’s show face more opposition from authorities because the American comedian was being brought down to India by the same company that manages AIB, who are currently facing legal action because another OML event, AIB Knockout, which was also held at NSCI last year?

The truth appears to lie in a detail. While it is true that Mumbai Police did grant the necessary permissions, they came through only last evening.

Considering how it takes a little less than 24 hours to get from New York City to Mumbai, this meant that by the time OML got the permission in hand, it would have been too late for Seinfeld to fly down to Mumbai. It might not make for great drama, but it does make sense that when OML didn’t have the necessary permissions even 48 hours before the show, they decided to cancel it. It’s not surprising that Seinfeld didn’t want to hop on his private jet and perform before the Mumbai crowd only hours after landing in the city, reeling with jetlag.

For those who think that the decision to cancel OML wriggling out of an event because they haven’t sold enough tickets, cancelling the Seinfeld show will cost the company in the range of $2 million, including Seinfeld’s fees and the cost of flying him in on his  private jet. OML will also be reimbursing all those who bought tickets. As situations go, this is lose-lose for the organisers.

In short, all those who care more about seeing Seinfeld live than refunds can direct their anger towards police bureaucracy. Had the permissions come in sooner, this event wouldn’t have needed to be cancelled.

Everyone else, you can turn your attention to the conspiracy theories and jokes about Seinfeld’s cancelled show that are circulating on social media.