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Amiens Town Hall Withholds Payment from Music Group Over Palestine Dedication
The city of Amiens, France, has sparked controversy by refusing to pay a musical group their artistic fee following a concert on October 25, citing a breach of contract regarding “political neutrality.” The decision stems from a dedication to Palestine made by one of the groupS singers during the performance.
The dispute centers on whether artists performing on behalf of the municipality have the right to express political solidarity through their work. According to a press release issued by the Amiens town hall, the decision to withhold payment was made “from the weekend of the concert” and is based on a violation of entertainment specifications requiring shows to “respect the framework of political neutrality and are aimed at a family and multi-generational audience.”
Officials emphasize that the sanction is not based on the content of the remarks, but rather on the act of making them at all. “The City does not ‘will not proceed with payment for this artistic service,” a statement confirmed, adding that the production company involved has been informed.
However, sources close to the group suggest the situation is more complex. “The concert dates back to october 25, it is November 5, the teams have received their checks a long time ago,” one individual stated. “I read the press, some say that the fee will not be paid by the production company… I don’t know.All I am sure of is that at the moment,she is in negotiations with the town hall of Amiens.”
The group performed through a production company contracted by the town hall to deliver 25 artistic performances this year, with a contractual obligation to “enforce the principle of neutrality.” The municipality clarified that the portion of the remuneration designated as an “artistic fee” – separate from technical costs – will be withheld. The group is considering legal action if full payment is not received, asserting, “we have nothing to reproach ourselves for. this is about freedom of expression and we are not breaking the law.”
The controversy was initially fueled by a video posted by Damien Toumi, a candidate in the upcoming municipal elections representing the National Rally (RN). Toumi denounced the concert as “a pro Hamas concert” and made accusations of anti-Semitic and anti-police sentiments. He vowed to end such performances if elected in March 2026.
During a municipal council meeting, RN elected official Philippe Théveniaud questioned the mayor, Hubert de Jenlis, about the incident, asking, “what sanctions are you considering and who made the decision to invite them?” De Jenlis responded that he was “shocked” by the remarks and announced the decision to withhold payment.
The town hall maintains that its decision was not a direct response to the RN’s campaign. Officials stated that a member of the public reported the incident “before the video of the National Rally” was published, and that concerns about the group’s adherence to political neutrality were raised during the initial bidding process. A reminder was also reportedly sent to the production company to reinforce the neutrality requirement.
The Sidi wacho team countered that the town hall’s actions are hypocritical, given the group’s openly political lyrics.”You just have to listen to the group’s songs to see that they are politically engaged, it is hypocritical to sanction them after the fact,” a representative stated. The singer involved has declined to comment,
