Paul Weller sues former accountants who dropped him over Gaza statements

Musician Paul Weller has filed a discrimination claim against his former accountants after they stopped working with him due to his statements condemning Israel's attacks on Gaza.

Harris & Trotter LLP ended their relationship with Weller and his companies in March after more than 30 years together, according to a pre-action letter by Weller's lawyers.

The letter included a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm, which said the separation was due to Weller naming Israel's attacks on Gaza as a genocide. The partner claimed Weller's beliefs are "anti-Israel."

"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," the partner said.

"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."

The former The Jam frontman issued a discrimination claim against the firm

By refusing to continue their services, Weller's legal team alleged the firm illegally discriminated against the singer's protected philosophical beliefs, including that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state.

"What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe," said Weller in the letter.

"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."

Weller said he is 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."

The letter also stated that Weller intends to donate any damages he may receive from the lawsuit to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.

Cormac McDonough, one of Weller's lawyers, said his situation "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," said McDonough in the letter.

Weller organised last year's Gig For Gaza fundraising concert in Brixton, with performances from Irish acts including KNEECAP, Róisín El Cherif, Paloma Faith, Liam Bailey, Lowkey and Weller himself. The concert raised over £115,000 (€139,000) for humanitarian aid.

Last month, Weller announced the second iteration of Gig For Gaza, which is set to take place in October 17 at the Troxy in London. The lineup features Inhaler, Maverick Sabre and Primal Scream, along with Weller. All proceeds from the event will go to Gaza Forever and Medical Aid for Palestinians, two organisations providing life-saving aid, food and shelter to those in Gaza.