Massive Attack say their entire band was detained by police in Singapore and some members had their passports temporarily confiscated after they displayed a Palestinian flag and joined audience chants of "Free Palestine" during a concert. The Bristol group's statement, posted to Instagram, said they were "surprised and disappointed" by the response and had not expected that holding up the flag of a state recognised by 157 countries would break any law. The incident is significant given Singapore's strict censorship laws around public expression and adds to a string of controversies surrounding the band's outspoken pro-Palestinian stance.

The band performed at the Star Theatre on 29 July, where members and isolated separately for questioning, with some subjected to hotel room searches. Two unnamed band members received "stern warnings" and were banned from re-entering Singapore, with authorities also refusing to approve any future performance applications from the group. Massive Attack said they were "proud" of the gesture and called on Singapore's government to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, while thanking fans for their welcome. The episode follows earlier incidents this year involving band member Robert Del Naja, who was arrested at a London protest against the UK ban on Palestine Action and has criticised the government's handling of that issue.