Latest news with #CarolineTurner
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Massive Attack, Kneecap and more fight back on 'organised censorship' from music industry
Massive Attack, Kneecap, Fontaines D.C. and Brian Eno have formed an alliance to protect artists openly supportive of Palestine from censorship and intimidation from the music industry The British band Massive Attack have formed an alliance for artists who are facing intimidation from within the music industry over their support of Palestine and Gaza. The collective known as Ethical Syndicate Palestine (ESP) is supported by Kneecap, Fontaines D.C. and Brian Eno and cites 'organised censorship' of artists who have spoken out about Israel 's military action. The statement shared by Massive Attack and others on Instagram reads: 'The scenes in Gaza have moved beyond description. We write as artists who've chosen to use our public platforms to speak out against the genocide occurring there and the role of the UK government in facilitating it.' In their statement, ESP alleges accounts of organised intimidation: 'We're aware of the scale of aggressive, vexatious campaigns operated by [UK Lawyers for Israel] UKLFI and of multiple individual incidences of intimidation within the music industry itself, designed solely to censor and silence artists from speaking their hearts and minds.' In a statement to The Mirror, Caroline Turner, Director of UKLFI, wrote: "The claims that we have bullied Massive Attack and operated aggressive vexations campaigns are false." She further describes Massive Attack's June 2025 performance at Lido Festival as "divisive and offensive political theatre." READ MORE: Massive Attack slam 'unethical' Barclays and demand removal of adverts at venue before gig ESP singled out UKLFI in their statement, accusing the association of intimidating artists. In their ESP Instagram posts, Brian Eno, Kneecap and Massive Attack all tagged the activist group Led By Donkeys, which released a film on July 17, 2025 calling for an investigation into UKLFI's charitable wing. Turner says UKLFI responded to Led by Donkeys before they screened their film and contends that their allegations mainly concerned UKLFI Ltd, which is not a charity, rather than UKLFI Charitable Trust. In recent months, UKLFI reported the band Bob Vylan to the police for leading a chant of 'death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]' during their Glastonbury set. It also reported the BBC for broadcasting the set and wrote to the Academy of Music Group advising them to cancel Vylan's Radar Festival performance. Mr Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (aka Mo Chara), a member of the music trio Kneecap, was charged with a terrorism offence in May 2025 after being reported to the police by UKLFI. Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on August 20, 2025. UKLFI wrote to all the UK venues where Kneecap was due to perform over the summer, to warn them of the risks of allowing them to perform. The musicians of ESP say their goal is to protect other artists, particularly those at early stages of their careers. 'Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won't standby & allow other artists – particularly those at earlier stages of their careers or in other positions of professional vulnerability – to be threatened into silence or career cancellation. 'In this spirit, we encourage artists who've been placed in this position, or those who now wish to use their platforms to talk about Palestine, but are concerted about industrial or legal repercussions to contact us,' their statement reads. The syndicate also urges artists to make a stand on demands including immediate unfettered access to Gaza for recognised aid agencies, an end to UK arms sales and licences to Israel, and an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Artists including Paloma Faith, Bob Vylan, Aja Monet, Saul Williams, and AURORA all commented expressions of support on Instagram. Paloma Faith wrote: 'I've been shadow banned for some time!!! Keep going everyone, it's going to eventually change! Hang in there'. The Scottish rock band Garbage have also publicly joined the syndicate. The Mirror has reached out to the Ethical Syndicate Palestine for comment. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Royal Academy ‘displays anti-Semitic art' for a second time
The Royal Academy of Arts has been accused of displaying anti-Semitic artwork inspired by the war in Gaza for a second time. Jewish visitors said they had been left upset by two pieces of artwork by Michael Sandle, a Royal Academy member, that were still on display at the Summer Exhibition as of Friday. One £6,000 piece in the display titled 'Terrorist versus smiling mass murderer of innocents', shows what appears to be a Hamas member standing next to an Israeli air force pilot with a damaged building in the background. A second work, titled 'Apropos terror – a pilot doesn't hear the screams of the women and children he is massacring with impunity', is a slightly larger version of the first piece and priced at £25,000. Caroline Turner, the director of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), wrote to Natasha Mitchell, the Royal Academy's interim secretary and chief executive, calling for them to be removed. Ms Turner wrote: 'The titles of both these drawings imply that Israel is purposely slaughtering women and children.' 'This is far from the truth, since the Israeli army does all it can to avoid harming women and children, while targeting Hamas terrorists, who unfortunately use women and children as human shields,' the letter added. The letter was also sent to Batia Ofer, the chairwoman of the Royal Academy Trust and an Israeli-Canadian patroness and philanthropist. Explaining why the artworks were anti-Semitic, the Ms Turner wrote that the pictures applied 'double standards by requiring of Israel a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation which can be anti-Semitic according to example eight of the IHRA's [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] working definition of anti-Semitism'. 'The images use the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (eg claims of Jews killing children) to characterise Israel or Israelis; This is anti-Semitic according to example nine of the IHRA definition,' the letter says. The letter, seen by The Telegraph, adds: 'Accusing Jews of killing babies/children is an old-fashioned blood libel. Sandle should be aware that Israel aims to kill terrorists, not innocent children and others.' Mrs Turner also claimed the Royal Academy was breaching the 2010 Equality Act because Sandle's art was 'likely to create an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Jews and Israelis who visit the gallery'. One Jewish visitor said: 'I just went to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. And there is some disgusting anti-Semitic art hanging there by an artist called Sandle. Unsurprisingly, this isn't the first time.' Last year, the Royal Academy apologised for displaying artwork likening Israel to Nazi Germany in an annual Summer Show competition. One piece by a 16-year-old named as 'Andy', which was later removed, appeared to compare Israel's actions in Gaza to Nazism by featuring Arab women screaming under the shadow of a swastika and the looming figure of Buddha. A note with the piece stated: 'Watching the conflict unravel in Gaza draws many parallels with the Nazis and Chinese oppression, hence the Buddha symbol and the swastika.' A second piece, which was removed, was a photograph of a protester claiming Israel was committing genocide. The photograph, taken by an 18-year-old named 'Kausar', featured a man holding a sign stating: 'Jews say stop genocide on Palestinians: not in our name.' Ms Turner claimed the Royal Academy has 'failed to take the concerns of your Jewish visitors into account'. She added: 'We are of course, in favour of freedom of artistic expression, but not freedom to express hateful anti-Semitic sentiments, which stoke up hatred against Jews and Israelis.' In a statement, the Royal Academy said works in the exhibition 'often reflect current societal and political topics'. It said that artworks in the Summer Exhibition 'should not be read as the Royal Academy supporting any particular artist's point of view'. The Royal Academy added: 'We always take all concerns about artworks on display in the Summer Exhibition seriously; however, our role, as an artist and architect-led organisation, is to allow all artists the ability to express themselves. 'The Royal Academy is an organisation led by artists and architects and is committed to freedom of expression.' In a further letter, Ms Mitchell insisted they were not breaching the Equality Act and added: 'It is simply untrue to state that we are ignoring the matter, or the concerns raised.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Royal Academy ‘displays anti-Semitic art' for a second time
The Royal Academy of Arts has been accused of displaying anti-Semitic artwork inspired by the war in Gaza for a second time. Jewish visitors said they had been left upset by two pieces of artwork by Michael Sandle, a Royal Academy member, that were still on display at the Summer Exhibition as of Friday. One £6,000 piece in the display titled 'Terrorist versus smiling mass murderer of innocents', shows what appears to be a Hamas member standing next to an Israeli air force pilot with a damaged building in the background. A second work, titled 'Apropos terror – a pilot doesn't hear the screams of the women and children he is massacring with impunity', is a slightly larger version of the first piece and priced at £25,000. Caroline Turner, the director of UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), wrote to Natasha Mitchell, the Royal Academy's interim secretary and chief executive, calling for them to be removed. Ms Turner wrote: 'The titles of both these drawings imply that Israel is purposely slaughtering women and children.' 'This is far from the truth, since the Israeli army does all it can to avoid harming women and children, while targeting Hamas terrorists, who unfortunately use women and children as human shields,' the letter added. The letter was also sent to Batia Ofer, the chairwoman of the Royal Academy Trust and an Israeli-Canadian patroness and philanthropist. Explaining why the artworks were anti-Semitic, the Ms Turner wrote that the pictures applied 'double standards by requiring of Israel a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation which can be anti-Semitic according to example eight of the IHRA's [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] working definition of anti-Semitism'. 'The images use the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (eg claims of Jews killing children) to characterise Israel or Israelis; This is anti-Semitic according to example nine of the IHRA definition,' the letter says. The letter, seen by The Telegraph, adds: 'Accusing Jews of killing babies/children is an old-fashioned blood libel. Sandle should be aware that Israel aims to kill terrorists, not innocent children and others.' Mrs Turner also claimed the Royal Academy was breaching the 2010 Equality Act because Sandle's art was 'likely to create an intimidating, hostile and offensive environment for Jews and Israelis who visit the gallery'. One Jewish visitor said: 'I just went to the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. And there is some disgusting anti-Semitic art hanging there by an artist called Sandle. Unsurprisingly, this isn't the first time.' Last year, the Royal Academy apologised for displaying artwork likening Israel to Nazi Germany in an annual Summer Show competition. One piece by a 16-year-old named as 'Andy', which was later removed, appeared to compare Israel's actions in Gaza to Nazism by featuring Arab women screaming under the shadow of a swastika and the looming figure of Buddha. A note with the piece stated: 'Watching the conflict unravel in Gaza draws many parallels with the Nazis and Chinese oppression, hence the Buddha symbol and the swastika.' A second piece, which was removed, was a photograph of a protester claiming Israel was committing genocide. The photograph, taken by an 18-year-old named 'Kausar', featured a man holding a sign stating: 'Jews say stop genocide on Palestinians: not in our name.' Ms Turner claimed the Royal Academy has 'failed to take the concerns of your Jewish visitors into account'. She added: 'We are of course, in favour of freedom of artistic expression, but not freedom to express hateful anti-Semitic sentiments, which stoke up hatred against Jews and Israelis.' In a statement, the Royal Academy said works in the exhibition 'often reflect current societal and political topics'. It said that artworks in the Summer Exhibition 'should not be read as the Royal Academy supporting any particular artist's point of view'. The Royal Academy added: 'We always take all concerns about artworks on display in the Summer Exhibition seriously; however, our role, as an artist and architect-led organisation, is to allow all artists the ability to express themselves. 'The Royal Academy is an organisation led by artists and architects and is committed to freedom of expression.' In a further letter, Ms Mitchell insisted they were not breaching the Equality Act and added: 'It is simply untrue to state that we are ignoring the matter, or the concerns raised.'
Glasgow Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Film Theatre praised by pro-Israel lobby group over BDS vote
The charity's trustees declined to back the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), despite calls from employees and patrons to do so. Caroline Turner, director of UK Lawyers for Israel said: 'We are pleased that the Trustees of GFT have decided to reject these endorsements. These campaigns were part of a central Palestinian boycotting organisation whose aim is the destruction of the Jewish State. 'The film theatre had upset many of its regular Jewish film goers by its boycott of Coca Cola products earlier this year, and the anti-Israel statements made by some of its staff.' The BDS movement calls for a boycott of all Israeli goods. The BDS movement was set up by 170 Palestinian civil groups in 2005 as a form of non-violent "pressure" on Israel and has gained worldwide support, often being compared to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The collective has called on Israel to 'end its colonisation and occupation' of Arab lands, recognise the 'fundamental rights' of Arab-Palestien citizens of Israel, and 'respect and protect' the rights of Palestinian refugees. Adherents of the movement advocate for a full economic and cultural boycott of Israeli goods and companies, and protest against international companies with close ties to the Israeli state. Three members of the GFT's trustee board resigned in protest over the cinema's decision. A joint statement reads: 'We cannot in good conscience continue to serve on the board of the GFT. In addition to our concerns related to governance and decision-making processes, we are also deeply concerned about the attitude the GFT has shown toward our unionised workers.' In February, Unite Hospitality union members, which make up 85% of front-of-house and cleaning staff at the cinema, announced they would refuse to serve Coca-Cola products due to the company's ties to Israel. This led to the removal of the brand from the GFT bar. Coca Cola was among the products to be banned at the GFT (Image: PA).The theatre was hit with a legal threat after UK Lawyers for Israel wrote a letter to charity regulator OSCR alleging the boycott breached the cinema's 'charitable objects'. The complaint was ultimately dismissed. In a statement published on Thursday evening, the charity said: 'As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. 'To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.' The cinema's board also said that a full review of their 'ethical policies and practices' would be carried out, including the sale of products in their bar, and that the work of Palestinian artists would continue to be platformed. UKLFI's Turner added: 'It is good news that the GFT is now considering ethical and inclusive programming and purchasing. We hope that their inclusive programming will also include Israeli films.' The GFT board voted against endorsing the BDS movement. (Image: Newsquest) However, angry patrons hit out as news of the decision spread online Thursday night. Ruth Gilbert, national campaigns chair for Living Rent, posted to X: 'This is pathetic and embarrassing. Against the will of your unionised staff, your customers, and members of your board, you can't even commit to the bare minimum of solidarity with the Palestinian people? Many will vote with their feet if you don't reconsider.' Similarly, Emma Diamond remarked: 'So disappointed to read this, as a long term member & supporter I really hoped for better. 'It's not enough to pledge to platform Palestinian voices, what voices will there be left to 'platform' if this genocide continues.' Andy Ashe added: 'Apart from the obvious ethical consequences, I think you have vastly underestimated your customers' commitment to Palestine.' In response to the decision, campaign group Art Workers for Palestine Scotland said: 'We ask audiences, film-workers and partners, to email the Chief Executive of GFT Allison Gardner to make your voice heard and demand a reversal to this decision which undermines GFT's very reason for existence as an independent cinema. "GFT directly benefits in numerous ways from the optics of screening radical anti-colonial films. We refuse to let them disguise their lack of ethics with a progressive veneer. GFT is publicly funded and we, the public, are here to assert that film is political. We will not back down.'
The Herald Scotland
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Pro-Israel lobby lauds Glasgow Film Theatre after BDS vote
Caroline Turner, director of UK Lawyers for Israel told The Herald: 'We are pleased that the Trustees of GFT have decided to reject these endorsements. These campaigns were part of a central Palestinian boycotting organisation whose aim is the destruction of the Jewish State. 'The film theatre had upset many of its regular Jewish film goers by its boycott of Coca Cola products earlier this year, and the anti-Israel statements made by some of its staff.' The BDS movement calls for a boycott of all Israeli goods. The BDS movement was set up by 170 Palestinian civil groups in 2005 as a form of non-violent "pressure" on Israel and has gained worldwide support, often being compared to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The collective has called on Israel to 'end its colonisation and occupation' of Arab lands, recognise the 'fundamental rights' of Arab-Palestien citizens of Israel, and 'respect and protect' the rights of Palestinian refugees. Adherents of the movement advocate for a full economic and cultural boycott of Israeli goods and companies, and protest against international companies with close ties to the Israeli state. Three members of the GFT's trustee board resigned in protest over the cinema's decision. A joint statement reads: 'We cannot in good conscience continue to serve on the board of the GFT. In addition to our concerns related to governance and decision-making processes, we are also deeply concerned about the attitude the GFT has shown toward our unionised workers.' In February, Unite Hospitality union members, which make up 85% of front-of-house and cleaning staff at the cinema, announced they would refuse to serve Coca-Cola products due to the company's ties to Israel. This led to the removal of the brand from the GFT bar. Coca Cola was among the products to be banned at the GFT (Image: PA).The theatre was hit with a legal threat after UK Lawyers for Israel wrote a letter to charity regulator OSCR alleging the boycott breached the cinema's 'charitable objects'. The complaint was ultimately dismissed. In a statement published on Thursday evening, the charity said: 'As an independent charity, trustees are legally required to act in the best interests of the charity, and in line with its charitable objects which are, for Glasgow Film, principally to educate the public about film. 'To meet this obligation, we believe that all decisions, including those relating to ethical purchasing and programming, should be taken independently, and on a case-by-case basis, informed by robust internal policies and processes.' The cinema's board also said that a full review of their 'ethical policies and practices' would be carried out, including the sale of products in their bar, and that the work of Palestinian artists would continue to be platformed. UKLFI's Turner added: 'It is good news that the GFT is now considering ethical and inclusive programming and purchasing. We hope that their inclusive programming will also include Israeli films.' The GFT board voted against endorsing the BDS movement. (Image: Newsquest) However, angry patrons hit out as news of the decision spread online Thursday night. Ruth Gilbert, national campaigns chair for Living Rent, posted to X: 'This is pathetic and embarrassing. Against the will of your unionised staff, your customers, and members of your board, you can't even commit to the bare minimum of solidarity with the Palestinian people? Many will vote with their feet if you don't reconsider.' Similarly, Emma Diamond remarked: 'So disappointed to read this, as a long term member & supporter I really hoped for better. 'It's not enough to pledge to platform Palestinian voices, what voices will there be left to 'platform' if this genocide continues.' Andy Ashe added: 'Apart from the obvious ethical consequences, I think you have vastly underestimated your customers' commitment to Palestine.' Read more: Coca-Cola to be removed from Glasgow Film Theatre bar after staff boycott Glasgow Film Theatre could ban Disney films as staff push for Israel boycott Glasgow Film Theatre reported to charity regulator over Coca-Cola boycott In response to the decision, campaign group Art Workers for Palestine Scotland said: 'We ask audiences, film-workers and partners, to email the Chief Executive of GFT Allison Gardner to make your voice heard and demand a reversal to this decision which undermines GFT's very reason for existence as an independent cinema. "GFT directly benefits in numerous ways from the optics of screening radical anti-colonial films. We refuse to let them disguise their lack of ethics with a progressive veneer. GFT is publicly funded and we, the public, are here to assert that film is political. We will not back down.'
