Singapore bans 2 members of Brit band Massive Attack for waving Palestinian flag at concert
Singapore police open probe, issue stern warning to group members for displaying foreign flag at show without permission, in violation of the country’s strict rules
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SINGAPORE — Two members of Massive Attack were issued with stern warnings and barred from re-entering Singapore after the British trip-hop band ended its performance on Wednesday with a display of the Palestinian flag, according to local media reports.
Authorities said the band was investigated for their “actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag,” during the band’s concert, reports said.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority also said it is investigating the possible breach of a number of license conditions and will take “necessary action” when investigations are completed, reports added.
Singapore does not allow the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption, and the Palestinian flag is especially sensitive given the war in Gaza and Singapore’s Muslim population.
In 2023, shortly after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, onslaught that began the war, Singapore’s home affairs ministry said: “The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is an emotive issue. We would like to advise against the public display and wearing of articles in relation to the conflict, given the heightened sensitivities.”
“The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let events happening externally affect this peace and harmony we have in Singapore,” the statement added.
British band Massive Attack is under police investigation in Singapore after members held a Palestinian flag on stage during their July 29 concert, sparking “Free Palestine” chants from the crowd.
Under local law, the act can carry a fine of up to SGD 5,000 and/or six months in… pic.twitter.com/2DxbfAqtKd
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) July 31, 2026
Singapore’s resident population is 74 percent Chinese, 13.6% Malay, and 9% Indian, with 3.3% classified as others. Around 15% are Muslim.
Massive Attack, formed in Bristol in the west of England in 1988, are known for their outspoken political stances, with videos during their concert highlighting conflicts from the UD-Israeli war on Iran, to Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine.
It has particularly been outspoken in its anti-Israel politics for years, including by joining an initiative last year to block its music in Israel and to have its songs removed from Spotify over investments in a European defense start-up by the streaming platform’s founder.
Neither the concert organizer Lushington nor the band immediately responded to a request for comment.
This isn’t the first time a United Kingdom-based band has faced legal action over anti-Israel activism.
One of the members of Northern Ireland’s Kneecap faced a terrorism charge in the UK over allegedly displaying a flag of the Iran-backed Lebanese terror group Hezbollah at a concert in November 2024.
However, in March, London’s High Court upheld a decision to dismiss the case over procedural errors by prosecutors.
Canada barred Kneecap last year from entering the country, citing the group’s alleged support for Hezbollah and for the Hamas terror group.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.