Paul Weller is suing his former accountants after they stopped working with him following his allegations of genocide in Gaza by Israel, as stated in a legal letter.
The former lead singer of The Jam, aged 67, has initiated a discrimination lawsuit against Harris and Trotter subsequent to the termination of their professional partnership.
Weller’s legal team revealed that the singer-songwriter was informed in March that the accounting and tax advisory firm would cease their collaboration with him and his entities.
As per the letter obtained by the PA news agency, a partner at the firm conveyed via WhatsApp: «It’s widely known what your political stances are regarding Israel, the Palestinians, and Gaza, but we, as a firm, are offended by the claims of Israel engaging in any form of genocide.
«While everyone is entitled to their opinions, your anti-Israel viewpoints are of such nature that we, as a firm with Jewish origins and numerous Jewish partners, cannot continue working with an individual espousing these beliefs.»
Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide.
However, Weller’s lawyers argue that the firm’s decision to terminate their services constituted unlawful discrimination against the singer’s protected philosophical convictions, including the belief that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine deserves recognition as a sovereign state.
Weller expressed: «I have always stood up against injustices, whether it be apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. The current situation facing the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis.
«I firmly believe in their right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I assert that Israel is carrying out genocide against them. This truth must be acknowledged.
«Muzzling those who speak this reality is not merely censorship; it is complicity.
«I am pursuing legal action not only for myself but also to prevent others from facing similar repercussions for expressing their views on the rights of the Palestinian people.»
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The legal letter specifies that Weller intends to donate any compensation he receives to humanitarian aid initiatives in Gaza.
Cormac McDonough, a solicitor at Hodge Jones and Allen representing Weller, remarked that this case «echoes a broader trend of silencing artists and public figures who advocate for Palestinian rights».
Mr. McDonough added: «Especially within the music industry, we are witnessing increasing attempts to marginalize those who show solidarity with the people of Gaza.»
Sky News has reached out to Harris and Trotter for their response.