Overview

• Yorke labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government as extremists who must be stopped and condemned Hamas for its October 7 attack and alleged cynicism toward civilian suffering.
• He disclosed that perceived complicity over last October’s Melbourne heckling incident inflicted a heavy toll on his mental health and spurred his eight-page response.
• Yorke criticized social media “witch-hunts,” arguing that reposting slogans and online pressure do little to address Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.
• His statement has divided audiences, drawing praise for its nuanced critique and rebuke from figures like Reggie Watts for centering personal feelings over urgent calls for solidarity.
• The controversy echoes broader artist-activism debates as bandmate Jonny Greenwood faced UK concert cancellations over collaborations with Israeli musician Dudu Tassa under pro-Palestine pressure.