Two members of the British trip-hop band Massive Attack have been issued stern warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert on July 29, according to a joint statement from the police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Legal Violations and Entry Ban
The police investigated the two band members for the unfurling of a foreign flag and their actions of support for a political cause
during the performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre. In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, authorities administered stern warnings for offences under Section 16 of the Public Order Act and Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act.
As a result of these actions, the two men are barred from re-entering Singapore. The IMDA further stated it will not grant any future applications for performances by the music collective in the country due to this entry ban.
Breach of Performance Licensing
The IMDA is currently probing a possible breach of several license conditions. One specific condition stipulates that there must be no display of flags in support of any causes. Authorities noted that this occurred despite the event organizer’s prior acknowledgment of these conditions.
The July 29 event was the only concert scheduled in Singapore for the band’s current international tour. During the show, a video posted to Reddit and other online platforms showed two members holding a Palestinian flag while the crowd cheered. One member also shouted Free Palestine
, prompting many audience members to join the chant. The band also claimed it had to remove a song from its set list due to local laws
, though the IMDA was contacted to confirm the specifics of that decision.
National Security and Social Cohesion
Singapore law prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without an exemption or permit. Violators may face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to S$500, or both. The police stated they take a serious view
of acts that could potentially harm racial and religious harmony, urging foreigners and the public to avoid importing foreign politics, which can undermine the rule of law and social cohesion.
The authorities emphasized that the peace between different religions and races in Singapore should not be taken for granted and that external events must not be allowed to affect society. This follows a 2023 advisory from the home affairs ministry regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which urged against the public wearing or displaying articles related to the conflict given heightened sensitivities.
Band Background and Political Stance
Formed in Bristol in 1988, Massive Attack currently consists of two core members: DJ Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, 66, and singer-songwriter Robert “3D” Del Naja, 61. The band is known for outspoken political views and has previously described Israel’s actions in Gaza as a genocide
.
The group’s concert videos have highlighted conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip, as well as the US-Israeli war on Iran. In 2025, the band formed a syndicate for artists speaking out about Israel’s military actions in the enclave, alleging that such artists faced intimidation within the music industry. They also participated in an initiative to have their music blocked in Israel and removed from Spotify due to the founder’s investments in a European defense start-up.
The concert’s promoter, Lushington Entertainments, stated it would fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.
