Two Massive Attack Members Banned From Singapore After Waving Palestinian Flag Onstage

Two unnamed members of British band Massive Attack have been banned from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag onstage during a concert. The incident took place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at The Star Theatre in Singapore. The identities of the two members involved have not been officially disclosed.

What happened, and how authorities responded

According to a joint statement from police and Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), reported by Channel News Asia, the two band members were investigated under the Public Order Act for "expressing political views and unfurling a foreign flag," and were issued a stern warning. The statement added that both individuals "will also be barred from entering Singapore again."

Video circulating online after the show shows a band member raising a Palestinian flag onstage to cheers from the audience. Authorities also stated that one member shouted "Free Palestine" during the performance.

Under Singapore law, displaying a foreign national emblem in public without permission or exemption is prohibited. Violators can face a fine of up to S$500 (roughly NT$11,000), up to six months in prison, or both. IMDA said it is continuing to investigate whether the performance violated the terms of its performance license and will take further action once the investigation concludes.

Massive Attack's long record of pro-Palestinian activism

Massive Attack has publicly supported Palestinian causes for years and has refused to perform in Israel since 1999. Bandleader Robert Del Naja invited Palestinian activist Aarab Barghouti — son of imprisoned political figure Marwan Barghouti — to appear at what was planned as the band's headline set at Primavera Sound Barcelona last month, though that show was cancelled due to extreme weather. Barghouti later spoke onstage during Gorillaz's headline set instead.

Earlier this year, Del Naja was among more than 500 people arrested at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action, later criticizing the government's response as "heavy-handed" and calling his own arrest "unlawful." The band has also signed onto the No Music For Genocide campaign and announced a full boycott of Spotify.

What happens next

According to NME, IMDA has stated it will no longer approve any future applications for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore.