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Garbage join artists opposing pro-Palestine censorship

Garbage join artists opposing pro-Palestine censorship

The National19-07-2025
The group, known as Ethical Syndicate Palestine, was launched by the band Massive Attack in response to what they claim is a coordinated campaign to silence artists speaking out against the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Alongside Garbage, other acts signed up to the initiative include Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, Brian Eno and a number of other musicians and producers who have voiced solidarity with Palestine.
READ MORE: 55 arrested in Westminster as protests grow over Palestine Action ban
The announcement comes in the wake of a new documentary released by campaigning group Led By Donkeys, which exposes the activities of UK Lawyers for Israel Ltd (UKLFI).
According to the film, the group has used legal and institutional pressure to silence pro-Palestine activism, particularly in the arts and cultural sectors.
Led By Donkeys stated: 'UK Lawyers for Israel Ltd has tried to silence various voices supporting Palestine. Their charitable wing has made public statements rejecting international law.'
In a statement shared on Instagram, Massive Attack wrote: 'Because of our expressions of conscience, we've been subject to various intimidations from within our industry ... and legally via organised bodies such as UKLFI.'
They described the situation in Gaza as having 'moved beyond description,' and called on the wider music community to support younger, more vulnerable artists who may feel unable to speak out.
The group urged those impacted to contact the Ethical Syndicate Palestine directly.
Led By Donkeys added: 'The weaponisation of antisemitism ... not only hurts civil liberties and human rights, it also damages the real fight against antisemitism.'
The crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in UK music has escalated in recent months.
Bob Vylan were dropped by their agents and investigated by police after chanting 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury.
READ MORE: RECAP: Activists defy Labour with illegal pro-Palestine T-shirts at Edinburgh demo
Meanwhile, Kneecap member Liam Ó hAnnaidh, AKA Mo Chara, is facing prosecution under the Terrorism Act after allegedly holding a Hezbollah flag on stage.
Despite mounting pressures, more musicians – many previously seen as apolitical – are breaking their silence.
In May, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds raised a Palestinian flag during a concert in Milan, joining a chorus of international dissent.
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Discussion on dementia stories to follow UK premiere of Lost Lear at Traverse on Sunday evening
Discussion on dementia stories to follow UK premiere of Lost Lear at Traverse on Sunday evening

Edinburgh Reporter

time3 hours ago

  • Edinburgh Reporter

Discussion on dementia stories to follow UK premiere of Lost Lear at Traverse on Sunday evening

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'I spent months trolling influencers in Reddit hate forums – now I feel ashamed'

Daily Mirror

timea day ago

  • Daily Mirror

'I spent months trolling influencers in Reddit hate forums – now I feel ashamed'

After Irish YouTuber Adam MacIntyre was reported to ICE by his snark subreddit while touring the US, Reddit shut them down. But his story is just the very tip of the iceberg. Hiding in plain sight are some of Reddit's most toxic communities, created with one sole and explicit purpose: to spread hate. Known as 'snark', these forums range in size from hundreds to literally thousands of members, all anonymous, who congregate to make derogatory posts. ‌ The subjects in question? They range from minor influencers to full-blown pop stars, with some of the better-known names including TikTok beauty star Mikaela Noguiera, singer Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. ‌ Currently, r/travisandtaylor, aka "The Snark Sub', is one of the largest, with over 158K members. 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For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. ‌ Although, there are some bad players who are aware of the impact of their actions. They say: 'I think that snark can do harm when it's intended to do so. Some people have their own pain and want these people to hurt themselves.' A second former snarker, who has also remained anonymous, agrees that this behaviour often comes from a place of hurt. Now 29, they say they used to be an avid reader of a snark subreddit dedicated to YouTuber Trisha Paytas: the now-banned r/Trishyland. The subreddit became known for coming up with wild conspiracies about the YouTuber and mother-of-two, who formerly co-starred on the 'Frenemies on the H3 Podcast' YouTube channel. 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'Now the 'r/weddingshaming' subreddit comes across my Reddit home page fairly often and I read the posts when I see them." ‌ 'Part of the appeal comes from reading a group consensus that someone is in the way it makes you feel like a morally superior person. One, because you're not doing the 'shameful' thing. Two, you are doing the work' of 'educating' yourself on what 'society' things is right/wrong.' Though, they add that it's difficult to fully explain the appeal of snark because 'snark is nonsensical'. What happens when it goes too far? Irish content creator Adam MacIntyre recently spoke out online about his experience with his own now-banned snark subreddit (r/AdamMacIntyreSnark) – after they reported him to ICE. The incident happened after the Derry-born YouTuber began his Chronically Online Tour in the US. 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The spokesperson added that they will continue to monitor their platform for violating behavior and take action where appropriate.

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