Massive Attack Duo Banned From Singapore After Flag Display

Massive Attack members face ban from Singapore following Palestinian flag display during concert, raising concerns over free expression.

In a remarkable incident, members of the band Massive Attack have been officially barred from re-entering Singapore after they unfurled a Palestinian flag during a concert on July 29 at The Star Theatre. Following the event, both band members were detained and isolated for questioning by authorities.

The band detailed their experience in a recent Instagram post, revealing that members faced searches of their hotel rooms and had their passports temporarily confiscated. They emphasized that the chants of “Free Palestine” from the audience were spontaneous, occurring both before and after their performance. The band expressed support for the Palestinian cause, arguing that the flag represented a sovereign state recognized by a substantial number of countries.

The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) confirmed the ban, stating that it was a consequence of the band members’ actions supporting a political cause and displaying a foreign flag. In their formal statement, the authorities indicated that they investigated the incident and warned both men for violating the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, as well as the Public Order Act.

Authorities pointed out that the event organizer had previously acknowledged the licensing restrictions but failed to prevent the display of the flag. The IMDA is currently probing potential breaches of the licensing conditions tied to the concert and has declared it will deny any future performance applications from the band due to the entry ban.

During the concert, both founding members of Massive Attack, Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, displayed the flag on stage, an act that quickly spread through social media with videos of the crowd chanting in support. The restrictions reflect Singapore’s stringent laws on the public display of foreign flags and emblems, justified by authorities as essential for maintaining racial and religious harmony in the nation.

The official statement reiterated the importance of preserving peace between different races and religions in Singapore, urging individuals, including foreigners, to refrain from bringing foreign political issues into the city-state.

Massive Attack has a reputation for activism, particularly regarding Palestinian rights. Earlier this year, Del Naja was arrested for participating in a pro-Palestine demonstration in London, showcasing the band’s commitment to advocating for the cause.