Two members of the British trip-hop group Massive Attack have been barred from re-entering Singapore, and the band will be denied future performance permits, after they displayed a Palestinian flag during a concert last month. The July 29 incident at The Star Theatre has also triggered a continuing investigation into possible licence breaches by the event’s organiser.
Flag Display at the Star Theatre
During the performance, founding members Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall held a Palestinian flag onstage as audience members chanted “Free Palestine.” One of the musicians also repeated the phrase from the stage.
Singapore restricts the public display of foreign national emblems without permission. The concert’s licence included an additional condition prohibiting flags that support political causes.
Investigation and Entry Bans
In a joint statement, the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said two unnamed Massive Attack members were investigated for supporting a political cause and displaying a foreign flag. Both received “stern warnings” under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and the Public Order Act.
Neither musician was charged, but both will be banned from re-entering Singapore. Although authorities did not name the individuals, reporting and footage from the performance identified them as Del Naja and Marshall.
Band Describes Detention and Searches
Massive Attack later posted a statement on Instagram saying its “entire band” had been detained, isolated and questioned separately after the show. Some members also had their hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated. The touring lineup included a live backing band and guest vocalists, including Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser.
The group said it was “surprised and disappointed” by the response, adding that it had not expected displaying the flag of Palestine to violate Singaporean law. The band said it was proud to have joined fans in what it described as an impromptu expression of solidarity.
Authorities Cite Social Harmony
Singaporean authorities defended the action by warning against “importing foreign politics,” which they said could threaten the country’s racial and religious harmony.
IMDA confirmed it will reject any future application for Massive Attack to perform in Singapore. The agency is also continuing to investigate possible breaches of the event’s licence conditions and has not yet announced whether the concert organiser will face additional action.
