TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into 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.
As reported by The Straits Times, 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.
In a joint response to media inquiries, regulators stated that "investigations are ongoing" and that "IMDA is also investigating a possible breach of licence conditions."
According to a concertgoer who spoke to CNA, members of the group shouted "Free Palestine" during the show, prompting audience members to join in the chant. Online video footage cited by The Straits Times showed two band members holding up a Palestinian flag on stage to cheers from the crowd.
Singapore strictly regulates public political displays, prohibiting the unpermitted exposure of foreign national emblems. Under local laws, violators face fines of up to Sin$500 ($387), up to six months in prison, or both.
Concert promoter Lushington Entertainments confirmed awareness of the police reports, telling The Straits Times, "We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as required." Lushington noted that the performance was the band's sole scheduled stop in Singapore on their current tour.
During the performance, the band also informed the audience that they had to remove a song from their scheduled setlist due to "local laws," according to CNA.
Additionally, Reuters reported that the concert featured politically charged visual backdrops, which included criticism of U.S. technology firm Palantir and highlighted conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, the U.S.-Iran relationship, and Gaza.
Public displays related to the Middle East conflict remain deeply sensitive in multi-ethnic Singapore, where Muslims comprise roughly 15 percent of the population. Reuters noted that Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs issued a warning in 2023 advising against public displays linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is an emotive issue," the ministry stated at the time, adding that "the peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted."
Formed in Bristol in 1988, Massive Attack has a long history of political activism. As highlighted by CNA, the band has frequently criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, previously describing them as "genocide," and established an artist syndicate in 2025 to support musicians speaking out on the conflict.
Read: BIGBANG Concert in Singapore: Complete Guide to Ticket Sales and Price List
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
