Shabana Mahmood told to ‘get a grip’ and ban DJ from UK after antisemitism probe in Australia

Susanna Siddell
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:23:13 +0000

Shabana Mahmood has been told to "get a grip" and ban an American DJ from travelling to the UK after an Australian antisemitism probe was launched into the artist.

Zubeyda Muzeyyen, stage name DJ Haram, is set to play several gigs across Britain in the coming weeks in London and Birmingham.

But the DJ is currently being probed by New South Wales Police after she delivered an anti-Israel speech in Sydney ahead of a set last month.

Addressing mammoth crowds at the Sydney Biennale on March 13, Ms Muzeyyen declared her solidarity with nations including Iran, Lebanon and Palestine - condemning civilian deaths in the Gaza war.

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Dedicating her subsequent performance to pro-Palestinians, she declared it was her "duty" to rally against a "Zio-Australian... empire", making references to "martyrs" and "the resistance".

Her speech led to furious complaints from the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies. The group claimed her rhetoric risked echoed that of proscribed terrorist organisations.

Additionally, they claimed it could exacerbate hostility towards local Jewish communities. Police have confirmed they are investigating Ms Muzeyyen's comments.

The major Australian city is home to more than 43,000 Jews, making up around 40 per cent of the nation's Jewish community.

Now, just weeks before the DJ's performances, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told Jewish News: "The last thing this country needs is a visit from yet another international musician embroiled in allegations of antisemitism and promoting terrorism.

"As the Government continues to struggle to get a grip on the relentless wave of anti-Jewish racism and Islamist extremism in the UK, it is patently not conducive to the public good for Zubeyda Muzeyyen (DJ Haram) to perform here.

"The Home Secretary needs to get a grip and ban her."

Mr Philp's fury has echoed that of politicians in Sydney, with its premier Chris Minns branding the comments as "horrid rhetoric".

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Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Jewish Leadership Council said: "Zubeyda Muzeyyen has repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that appears to support acts of terror carried out against Israelis, alongside the repetition of some of the oldest and most dangerous antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories. This goes far beyond legitimate political criticism.

"The Jewish community in Britain knows all too well where such language can lead. There are serious questions for the venues in London and Birmingham which are hosting her. It is also open to the Home Secretary to consider whether her entry into the UK would be conducive to the public good."

Ms Muzeyyen is currently set to perform at Phonox in London and Birmingham's Supersonic Festival.

A Home Office spokesman said: "While we do not comment on individual cases, we fully support the Jewish community and will always take allegations of antisemitism seriously.

"That is one of the reasons why an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation is under way – to make sure police have the powers they need to keep vulnerable and targeted communities safe. We have also ramped up security around synagogues and Jewish schools, backed by record levels of funding."

GB News has approached Phonox and Supersonic Festival for comment.

The potential ban of the musician would follow last week's barring of Kanye West from entering the UK.

The rapper, who was set to headline Wireless festival in July, was denied entry on the grounds that his presence would "not be conducive to the public good".

Mr West has received criticism for his behaviour over recent years, from releasing a track called "Heil Hitler" to selling clothing featuring a swastika on his merchandise website.

He has also been suspended from X multiple times over repeated antisemitic posts shared on the platform.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously commented on the controversy, describing plans for him to headline Wireless Festival as “deeply concerning”.

Shortly after the Home Office announcement, Wireless Festival organisers announced they have cancelled this year's event and that refunds will be issued to all ticket-holders.