Massive Attack has responded to the fallout from its Singapore concert, describing how founding members Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall were detained, questioned separately, had their hotel rooms searched and had passports temporarily confiscated after unfurling a Palestinian flag during their 29 July show. Singapore authorities have permanently banned both men from re-entering the country, saying the display breached laws restricting the public display of foreign flags and emblems, which the city-state justifies as necessary to protect racial and religious harmony.

Police issued stern warnings under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 and the Public Order Act, following an investigation carried out with the Attorney-General's Chambers. The Infocomm Media Development Authority said it is separately probing a possible breach of licensing conditions banning performers from displaying cause-related flags, and confirmed it will not approve any future Singapore performance by the band. In its own statement, Massive Attack said the "Free Palestine" chants from the crowd were spontaneous and that they understood the flag to represent "a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries," while thanking Singaporean fans and expressing hope for greater freedom of expression there in future.