The English trip-hop group Massive Attack has been banned from Singapore following an incident during a live performance in which the band displayed a Palestinian flag onstage. The event took place on Wednesday at the Star Theatre, where the band’s actions prompted a police investigation.

Massive Attack described their experience as "surreal," noting surprise and disappointment over the treatment they received from authorities. According to the band, members were detained by police, questioned separately, and some underwent searches of their hotel rooms. Additionally, several band members had their passports temporarily confiscated.

Singaporean authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the ban or the specific legal grounds for the investigation. The country maintains strict regulations concerning political expression, particularly in public venues, and has a history of swift action against perceived violations.

The band’s display of the Palestinian flag, a symbol often associated with political tensions in the Middle East, apparently conflicted with local regulations, leading to the ban and subsequent police actions. Massive Attack has not issued further commentary as of this writing.

The incident has drawn attention to Singapore’s regulatory environment concerning political symbols and expression, highlighting the challenges faced by international artists performing in jurisdictions with stringent security and public order laws.