The Spanish government has condemned a Spanish reggae festival’s decision to cancel a concert by an American Jewish musician after he failed to reply to a demand to clarify his position on Palestinian statehood.

The cancellation of Matisyahu at the week-long Rototom Sunsplash festival in eastern Spain – following pressure from supporters of sanctions against Israel over its policies towards Palestinians – prompted protests by Jewish groups.

Spain said it rejected boycott campaigns and any sign of anti-Semitism, while reiterating its support for an independent Palestinian state through bilateral negotiations.

“Imposing a public declaration [from Matisyahu], puts into question the principle of non-discrimination on which all plural and diverse societies are based,” the Spanish foreign ministry said in a statement.

Matisyahu, who fuses reggae, hip hop and rock with Jewish influences in his songs, had been due to perform at Rototom in Benicassim, Valencia, on Saturday.