Massive Attack have recalled the “surreal experience” of their entire touring crew being detained and questioned by Singapore authorities after their Star Theatre show on 29 July – as they are banned from re-entering the country for the display of the Palestinian flag.
In a detailed statement, the Teardrop stars said they were “surprised and disappointed” to be held by police after the gig, claiming band members were separated, interrogated, subjected to hotel room searches and had passports temporarily confiscated.
The group said large sections of the crowd twice erupted into “Free Palestine” chants – once before they stepped onstage and again at the end of the show. They described the chants as “organic,” adding that fans were “presumably aware but undeterred” that such expressions could breach Singapore’s censorship laws.
Massive Attack insisted they did not expect that “merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries” would violate any regulation.
Reflecting on the fallout, the duo said they were “proud” of the moment they shared with fans who “clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.”
They argued that global inaction was pushing ordinary citizens into “personal risk,” calling the experience “surreal” and a reminder of “the importance of defending universal human rights and freedom of expression.”
They also pointed to the UK, claiming peaceful protesters have been arrested under terrorism laws for holding handwritten anti-genocide signs.
The band closed their statement by thanking Singaporeans for their support and urging the government to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, saying citizens should be able to express conscience “without fear of state prosecution.”
Singapore’s police force and media regulator released their own update on Saturday (01.08.26), confirming that Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall were investigated for “actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag.” After consulting the attorney general’s chambers, police issued “stern warnings” for alleged breaches of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and the Public Order Act.
Authorities added that both men are now banned from re-entering Singapore, and future performance applications “would not be approved.” Police stressed they “take a serious view of acts which could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore.”
Del Naja was previously arrested in London in April during a demonstration against the UK’s ban on Palestine Action.
