Massive Attack banned from Singapore after pro-Palestine display at show

[Indos]

Massive Attack banned from Singapore after pro-Palestine display at show​

1 August 2026


Tessa Wong
Asia Digital Reporter, Singapore



Massive Attack have been banned from Singapore after the British band reportedly expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments during a performance in the city-state.

The band's two members held up a Palestinian flag at the show on Wednesday and shouted "free Palestine", authorities said, with some in the audience reportedly joining them.

Singapore's police force has now banned Massive Attack from future entry into the country, while its media regulator simultaneously said it would not grant future applications for them to perform there.

The Asian nation has strict rules on public speech and what it deems as demonstrations, arguing that it is necessary to regulate them to protect social harmony.

Authorities have previously investigated public events related to the Israel-Gaza war. Earlier this year, they fined several people for organising an unauthorised walk in support of the Palestinian cause.

A police spokeswoman told the BBC that following an investigation the two band members had been issued "stern warnings" concerning alleged offences under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and Section 16 of the Public Order Act.

The two laws ban the display of foreign flags in public in most cases and set conditions on public events of a political nature, respectively.

The spokeswoman said Singapore's police "take a serious view of acts which could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore".

"The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let external events affect our society," she added.

Massive Attack is currently on a world tour, with Wednesday's performance their only date in Singapore. Their next show is due to be held in Seoul on Saturday.

The band, which pioneered the trip-hop genre, has long been known for its openly political stance on a number of issues, including the war in Gaza. The group currently comprises of founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall.

Del Naja was arrested earlier this year when he took part in a demonstration in London. He was accused of showing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation in the UK.

A representative for Massive Attack declined to comment when approached by the BBC.

 

[ustaad]

It's 1930s all over again

 

[retaxis]

Singapore is becoming a lame duck. Chinese laughed at Singapore importing a million indians and Singapore banned Chinese media etc

 

[PK781]

Is singapore also an israeli lackey nowadays? If so, what a shame.

**** singapore then! hope it just sinks in the ocean

 

[El Sidd]

Hopefully Pakistani democracy and freedom of expression advocates bring a tsunami of change to Singapore.

@Hopefully Pessimistic maybe you can send an ex municipal official to a conference about freedom of expression in Singapore.

Thread 'Ex-Singapore Diplomat analysis on Pakistan with Pakistani journalists'

Jul 3, 2026

Listen to this short clip, he has direct experience with Pakistan during his service. He did a full panel with Pakistani journalists.

He says Pakistan has been mismanaged poorly from the beginning, you can't blame others for your issues.

He says it's a feudalistic society and all politicians regardless of parties are useless. He says the military is part of the problem for upholding this status quo, but also holds the country together.

He even says Pakistan has been on the brink of failure for a long time.

An incompetent feudalistic country with an incompetent military ruling it and...

• Hopefully Pessimistic
• Replies: 146
• Forum: Social & Current Events

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