British pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly cut ties with her longtime agent following a heated dispute over pro-Palestinian Irish rap group Kneecap. The move comes after the agent, David Levy of the WME talent agency, signed a controversial letter urging Glastonbury Festival organizers to remove the band from its 2025 lineup.
Why Dua Lipa Fired Her Agent
According to insiders in the music industry, Dua Lipa viewed Levy’s actions as being aligned with support for Israel’s war in Gaza, a stance that runs counter to her own pro-Palestinian position. Sources revealed that she considered his endorsement of the letter as a direct conflict with her values and advocacy.
The letter, addressed to Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis, raised strong objections to Kneecap’s appearance at the festival. It referenced the group’s past remarks, including controversial comments perceived as support for proscribed organizations, and highlighted statements made after violent attacks in the Middle East.
Content of the Controversial Letter
The letter expressed concern that Kneecap’s platform could be used to spread messages seen as incitement to violence. It cited comments from late 2023 urging people to “kill your local MP” and remarks from 2024 referencing Hezbollah, arguing these words posed risks in a tense security climate.
Furthermore, the letter claimed Kneecap’s alleged ties to groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas undermined safety at public events. It urged festival organizers to follow the example of other venues that had previously distanced themselves from the group.
Kneecap’s Response and Ongoing Controversy
Kneecap has consistently denied accusations of supporting proscribed groups. However, the controversy has followed them internationally. Earlier this year, band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, faced legal proceedings in the United Kingdom for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance.
The rap trio has also been banned from entering Canada after being accused of endorsing political violence. The band rejected the allegations as “deeply malicious” and announced potential legal action against Canadian officials who made the claims.
Wider Industry Reactions
Dua Lipa’s decision comes at a time when many artists are taking public stances on the Gaza conflict. More than 400 musicians and record labels have joined the “No Music for Genocide” campaign, pledging to withdraw their music from Israel. The initiative denounced Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, describing them as ethnic cleansing.
This collective action underscores growing momentum within the global music industry to challenge what artists view as complicity in human rights abuses.
Implications for Music and Politics
By firing her agent, Dua Lipa has positioned herself as one of the most prominent mainstream artists to take a clear pro-Palestinian stand. The decision also illustrates how music and politics are increasingly intertwined, with performers and industry figures facing pressure to clarify their positions on global conflicts.
As the debate over Kneecap’s performances continues, the episode highlights the broader cultural battle lines drawn over the war in Gaza, freedom of artistic expression, and the role of musicians in political discourse.
