Overview

• The Mary Wallopers’ microphones were cut at the Portsmouth event after they displayed a Palestinian flag, and organizers later acknowledged the audience could not hear the band afterward.
• Festival staff had told performers in advance that flags were not permitted, and video posted by the band shows a staffer removing a flag before the audio was cut.
• After backlash and artist pullouts, Victorious issued a new statement apologizing for its handling, saying it supports lawful onstage expression and will make a substantial donation to humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
• The Last Dinner Party, Cliffords and The Academic canceled their sets in protest, citing objections to censorship and support for Palestinians.
• Other acts voiced solidarity, with Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig saying anyone punished for flying a flag deserved an apology, and artists including Kneecap, Nell Mescal and Dropkick Murphys sharing support.