Paul Weller is taking legal action against his former accountants after they stopped working with him following his comments about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Jam frontman has been vocal about his views regarding Israel, saying he was “against genocide and ethnic cleansing”. Weller will also perform at the ‘Gig For Gaza’ event in October.
The 67-year-old singer has now filed a discrimination claim against the firm, Harris and Trotter, who informed Weller that they will be ending their professional relationship back in March.
In a letter, which was shared by Sky News, the firm told Weller: “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.”
Weller’s lawyers have now fought back, claiming that Harris and Trotter have unlawfully discriminated against his “protected philosophical beliefs.”
In a new legal letter released by Weller and his team, the 67-year-old said: “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.
“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.
“I’m taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that other are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.”
Weller also noted that he will donate any damages he receives to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
The Jam frontman will perform at the aforementioned ‘Gig For Gaza’ live event this October in London. Weller himself curated the event which follows on from the initial ‘Gig For Gaza’ which took place in 2024.
Last year’s event raised over £125,000 for aid efforts and saw performances from Kneecap, Primal Scream, Paloma Faith and more. This year’s gig will see Weller joined by the likes of Inhaler, Maverick Sabre and Primal Scream once again.
All funds raised will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and Gaza Forever. You can join the waiting list for any further released tickets for ‘Gig For Gaza’ here.
