Massive Attack banned from Singapore over Palestinian flag display at concert

British trip-hop band Massive Attack has been banned from Singapore after two members displayed a Palestinian flag during a concert at The Star Performing Arts Centre on July 29, 2026. According to police investigations, the band members held the flag on stage and shouted "Free Palestine", prompting some audience members to join the chant. Singapore's police and media regulator (IMDA) opened investigations following public reports, citing violations of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and the Public Order Act.

Following the investigation, Singapore's police issued stern warnings to the two band members and banned them from re-entering Singapore. IMDA stated it would not grant any future performance applications from the band in the country. The investigation also found that the concert promoter had been informed in advance of licence conditions prohibiting the display of flags in support of any causes, yet the band proceeded with the flag display. During the performance, the band also projected images and news articles commenting on other global conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war, the US-Iran war, and the Sudanese civil war, alongside critiques of surveillance technology.

Singapore maintains strict laws governing public speech and the display of foreign emblems, citing the need to preserve racial and religious harmony in the multicultural city-state. The Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 prohibits public display of foreign flags or national emblems without a government permit. Violations can result in fines up to S$500 (approximately US$387) and up to six months imprisonment. Singapore's authorities have previously investigated public events related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, including fining individuals for organising unauthorised demonstrations supporting the Palestinian cause.

Massive Attack, which pioneered the trip-hop genre, has long maintained a publicly political stance on multiple issues including the Gaza conflict. Founding member Robert Del Naja was arrested in London in April 2026 during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action, an activist group proscribed by British authorities. The band declined to comment on the Singapore incident. The concert promoter, Lushington Entertainments, stated it would fully cooperate with authorities. Massive Attack is currently on a world tour, with the Singapore performance being their only scheduled date in the city-state.