Highlights:
- British pop star Dua Lipa has fired her agent, David Levy, after he signed a letter against pro-Palestinian band Kneecap.
- The letter urged Glastonbury Festival organizers to drop the Irish rap group.
- More than 400 musicians and labels signed the “No Music for Genocide” initiative in solidarity with Palestine.
The Reported Reason Behind Dua Lipa’s Decision
According to The Mail on Sunday, Dua Lipa decided to end her professional relationship with her agent, David Levy of WME talent agency, because of his position regarding Palestine.
Levy was one of the signatories of a letter sent to Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, asking him to remove the Irish rap band Kneecap from the festival lineup in July. The letter was later leaked, sparking criticism from other musicians. Despite the controversy, Kneecap performed their scheduled slot.
Source Explains Lipa’s Pro-Palestine Stance
An unnamed music industry source explained the reason behind Dua Lipa’s move:
“She views him as being a supporter of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the terrible treatment of the Palestinians and that was made very clear through the letter that he signed and sent to Michael Eavis.”
The source also said that Levy’s stance “doesn’t align” with Lipa’s strong pro-Palestine views.
Read More: Bangladesh Welcomes Recognition of Palestine by Four Western Countries
Kneecap Controversy and Legal Troubles
The Irish rap group Kneecap has faced serious accusations of supporting Hezbollah and Hamas. However, the band has denied these allegations.
In May, group member Liam Og O hAnnaidh (stage name Mo Chara) was charged under a UK terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert in November. His case has been postponed until the end of this month.
Recently, Kneecap also criticized the Canadian government for banning the group from entering the country, accusing them of endorsing political violence. The group rejected these claims, saying they are false and harmful.
They said comments by Canadian politician Vince Gasparro were “wholly untrue and deeply malicious” and threatened legal action against him.
Growing Pro-Palestinian Movement in the Music Industry
Dua Lipa’s action comes at a time when more musicians are taking public positions on the Gaza war.
On Friday, over 400 musicians and labels signed the “No Music for Genocide” initiative, removing their music from Israel.
The statement read
“This tangible act is just one step toward honouring Palestinian demands to isolate and delegitimise Israel as it kills without consequence on the world stage.”
No Comment from WME Yet
Al Jazeera reached out to WME management for comment on the situation, but no response has been given yet.
Source: Aljazeera
