Singapore Bans Massive Attack Members for Displaying Palestinian Flag

The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have banned members of the British trip-hop group Massive Attack from re-entering Singapore and issued them stern warnings. The action follows a July 29, 2026, concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre, where members Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall displayed a Palestinian flag and led the crowd in "Free Palestine" chants.

Authorities stated the band violated the Public Order Act and the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, which prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit. While some witness accounts disputed whether the band joined the chanting, the group reportedly removed one song from their setlist to comply with local laws.

The IMDA announced it will reject all future performance applications by Massive Attack and is investigating a possible breach of license conditions regarding the display of flags in support of political causes. The agency emphasized that such actions could undermine racial and religious harmony in the country.

Concert promoter Lushington Entertainments stated it would cooperate fully with the investigations. Robert Del Naja, a long-time activist who has boycotted Israel since the 1990s, previously commented on the restrictive nature of protest laws in Britain in response to the incident.