Singapore Bans Massive Attack Over Palestinian Flag
Two members of the British trip-hop band Massive Attack have been issued stern warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore after unfurling a Palestinian flag during a live concert. The incident occurred on July 29, 2026, at The Star Theatre, marking the group’s only scheduled show in the city-state on their international tour.
According to a joint statement released by the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, police investigated band members Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall for displaying a foreign national emblem and expressing support for a political cause without authorization. Reporting by The Straits Times confirmed that officials issued formal warnings under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems Act and Section 16 of the Public Order Act.
Singapore enforces strict public order regulations that prohibit the public display of foreign flags and national emblems without an official permit or legal exemption. Regulatory officials noted that the event organizer had explicitly acknowledged licensing conditions prior to the concert, which prohibited any display of flags supporting political causes.
Video footage shared across social media platforms showed the musicians holding up the Palestinian flag near the conclusion of their set, while one member shouted “Free Palestine” to the audience. Detailed reporting from Channel NewsAsia revealed that media regulators will reject all future performance applications submitted by the band.
Following the show, police detained band members, conducted hotel room searches, and temporarily confiscated passports during the investigation process. The musical collective expressed surprise and disappointment regarding their treatment, describing the ordeal as a surreal experience.
According to coverage by Saudi Gazette, band members stated that large sections of the audience had organically initiated chants in support of Palestine during the event. Meanwhile, Singaporean authorities reiterated that preserving racial and religious harmony remains paramount, warning both residents and visiting foreign artists against importing external political conflicts into the nation’s civic space.
