British trip-hop band Massive Attack has been banned from entering and performing in Singapore after members displayed a Palestinian flag and chanted “Free Palestine” during a concert in the city-state, authorities have confirmed, reports BBC.
The incident took place during the band’s concert on Wednesday, when founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall held up a Palestinian flag on stage and shouted “Free Palestine“.
Some members of the audience reportedly joined in.
Following an investigation, Singapore Police said the duo had been issued “stern warnings” over alleged offences under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and the Public Order Act.
Authorities also confirmed that Massive Attack has been barred from future entry into Singapore, while the country’s media regulator said it would no longer approve applications for the band to perform.
Singapore Police said the country’s strict rules on political demonstrations and the display of foreign national symbols are intended to preserve racial and religious harmony.
“The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let external events affect our society,” a police spokesperson said.
Officials added that the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is continuing to investigate whether the concert breached licensing conditions, including a prohibition on displaying flags in support of political causes.
Singapore has maintained tight restrictions on public demonstrations related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Earlier this year, several people were fined for organising an unauthorised walk in support of the Palestinian cause.
In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs also advised against publicly displaying items linked to the conflict, including foreign national flags and emblems.
While Singapore officially supports a two-state solution and Palestinian membership of the United Nations, authorities have consistently prohibited public political demonstrations that they believe could affect social cohesion.
Massive Attack, regarded as pioneers of the trip-hop genre, have long been outspoken on political and humanitarian issues, including the war in Gaza.
Earlier this year, founding member Robert Del Naja was arrested during a demonstration in London after allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action, a group that is banned in the United Kingdom.
The band is currently on a world tour.
Their Singapore concert was their only scheduled performance in the country, with their next show set to take place in Seoul, South Korea.
A representative for Massive Attack declined to comment on the Singapore authorities’ decision.
