LONDON: British musician Paul Weller is suing his former accounting firm after it reportedly ended their business ties over his pro-Palestinian comments.
Harris and Trotter had a professional relationship with Weller spanning more than three decades, The Independent reported on Wednesday.
The acclaimed musician and former frontman of The Jam filed a discrimination claim over the accounting firm’s decision.
It followed public statements by Weller that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. He was told in March that Harris and Trotter would no longer work with him or his companies, his lawyers said in a pre-action letter.
A partner at the firm sent a WhatsApp message to Weller saying: “It’s well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide.
“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.”
In ending its relationship with Weller, the firm illegally discriminated against his protected philosophical beliefs, his lawyers said.
Weller has publicly supported moves to recognize Palestine as a state. “I’ve always spoken out against injustice, whether it’s apartheid, ethnic cleansing or genocide. What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe,” he said.
“I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them.
“That must be called out. Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship — it’s complicity.”
According to his lawyers, Weller will donate any received financial damages toward humanitarian campaigns in Gaza.
“I’m taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people,” he said.
The firm Hodge Jones and Allen is representing Weller. One of its lawyers, Cormac McDonough, said the case “reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights.
“Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
