In brief
Massive Attack has said they were “surprised and disappointed” by Singaporean authorities after a pro‑Palestine display during a July show. Police detained the band’s members, confiscated passports and warned of breaches of two laws that restrict foreign flags and political expression. Singapore has lifted the group’s performance license and will not allow them back. Fans worldwide rallied in support, while Singapore officials defended the move as essential civil‑harmony measures.
Massive Attack have said they were “surprised and disappointed” by their treatment by Singaporean authorities after expressing pro‑Palestine sentiments during a performance in the city‑state.
The group posted on Instagram on Sunday that its members were detained by police, isolated and separately questioned, with some subjected to hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
During the 29‑July show, the duo held up a Palestinian flag and shouted “free Palestine” alongside the audience.
Singapore, which has stringent rules on public speech and assembly, subsequently announced an indefinite ban on Massive Attack returning to the country.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that the two band members would not be allowed to re‑enter Singapore and were barred from performing there.
The band warned that they had been cautioned under two laws that restrict the public display of foreign flags and regulate political expressions at public events.
Massive Attack described the situation as a “surreal experience” and said they “did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would violate any law”.
They added pride in having made the impromptu expression with fans in Singapore, who “clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine”.
Their Instagram post, which has been liked by 146,000 users, was flooded with supportive messages, including one from Crystal Lim‑Lange describing the issue as “complex” and urging artists to respect the host country’s laws while recognizing the role of art in challenging ideas.
Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry had earlier issued advisories against “public display and wearing of articles” related to the Israel‑Gaza war, citing the need to preserve racial and social harmony.
The band’s status remains uncertain as they finish their world tour; they are scheduled to perform next week in Australia after concluding their Asian leg.
