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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

Singapore Probes Massive Attack Over Palestinian Flag Display at Concert

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Singaporean authorities are investigating the British band Massive Attack for displaying a Palestinian flag and expressing support for Palestinians during a concert.
  • The investigation by the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) follows multiple police reports filed after the July 29 performance.
  • The band also reportedly had to remove a song from their setlist due to "local laws" and used politically charged visual backdrops during the show.

Singaporean authorities have launched an investigation into the British trip-hop group Massive Attack after band members displayed a Palestinian flag and voiced support for Palestinians during their concert on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) confirmed that multiple police reports were filed following the performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre.

IMDA is also investigating a possible breach of licence conditions.

— Singapore Police Force and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)Regulators confirmed the ongoing investigation into Massive Attack's actions during their concert.

Regulators stated that "investigations are ongoing" and that "IMDA is also investigating a possible breach of licence conditions." According to concertgoers, band members shouted "Free Palestine" during the show, and online video footage showed two members holding up a Palestinian flag to cheers from the crowd. Singapore strictly regulates public political displays, prohibiting the unpermitted exposure of foreign national emblems. Violators face fines, imprisonment, or both.

local laws

— Massive Attack band membersThe band informed the audience they had to remove a song from their setlist due to these regulations.

Concert promoter Lushington Entertainments confirmed awareness of the police reports and pledged full cooperation with authorities. The performance was the band's sole scheduled stop in Singapore on their current tour. During the show, the band also informed the audience that they had to remove a song from their scheduled setlist due to "local laws." Additionally, the concert featured politically charged visual backdrops, including criticism of U.S. technology firm Palantir and highlighted conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, the U.S.-Iran relationship, and Gaza.

We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.

— Lushington EntertainmentsThe concert promoter confirmed their intention to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Public displays related to the Middle East conflict remain deeply sensitive in multi-ethnic Singapore. In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs warned against public displays linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating that "the peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted." Massive Attack has a history of political activism, frequently criticizing Israel's military actions in Gaza and supporting musicians speaking out on the conflict.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is an emotive issue. The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted.

— Singapore's Ministry of Home AffairsThe ministry issued a warning in 2023 regarding public displays related to the conflict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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