Both members of Massive Attack are permanently barred from returning to Singapore after unfurling a Palestinian flag during the British trip-hop group's concert at The Star Theatre on July 29.
According to Variety, a joint statement from the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority confirmed that police investigated both band members for "their actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag" during the show. Following the investigation, and in consultation with the Attorney-General's Chambers, police administered stern warnings to both men for offences under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and Section 16 of the Public Order Act.
"Both men will also be banned from re-entering Singapore," the statement said.
The two men are Massive Attack's founding members, Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall, who make up the band's current touring lineup. Authorities did not name them in the official statement. The concert was the band's only scheduled Singapore date on its current tour.
According to the joint statement, the event organizer had acknowledged the licensing conditions attached to the concert beforehand. Despite that, both band members held up a foreign flag onstage, with one shouting "Free Palestine." Video of the flag display circulated widely online alongside footage of the crowd joining in chants of "Free Palestine." The IMDA said it is investigating a possible breach of several licence conditions, including one barring performers from displaying flags tied to any cause, and will act once that inquiry concludes. The regulator also stated it will not approve any future application for the band to perform in Singapore given the entry ban.
Singapore maintains strict rules on the public display of foreign flags and emblems without a permit. Authorities frame those laws as necessary to protect the country's racial and religious harmony. The joint statement reiterated that position. "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," the statement said. Authorities also urged the public, including foreigners, "to refrain from importing foreign politics" into the country.
Massive Attack has been among the more vocal acts in music in its support for Palestinian causes. Del Naja was arrested earlier this year during a demonstration in London tied to Palestine Action, a group proscribed in the U.K.
Variety reported it had reached out to Massive Attack's representation for comment.
