SAEDNEWS: Dua Lipa has reportedly cut ties with her longtime agent after he signed a controversial letter opposing a pro-Palestinian rap group at Glastonbury. The bold move has fueled debate across the music industry as hundreds of artists join the growing cultural boycott of Israel.
British pop star Dua Lipa has built her career on chart-topping hits and a carefully cultivated global image. But now, her decision to part ways with longtime agent David Levy has pulled her into the heart of one of the most divisive global debates: Israel’s war in Gaza.
According to a report by The Mail on Sunday, the split was triggered when Levy signed a letter urging Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis to drop Irish rap group Kneecap, known for their outspoken pro-Palestinian politics.
For Dua Lipa, who has consistently used her platform to support Palestine, Levy’s signature was a step too far. A music industry source told the paper:
“She views him as a supporter of Israel’s war in Gaza, and that was made very clear through the letter.”
The fallout has quickly turned a private professional decision into a very public moment of cultural reckoning.
The controversy began before July’s Glastonbury Festival, when a group of music industry professionals signed a letter calling on organizers to remove Kneecap from the lineup.
The letter — initially private — was leaked, causing a storm in the music world. Instead of being dropped, Kneecap performed their scheduled slot to cheering crowds.
Among the names attached to the letter: Dua Lipa’s agent, David Levy.
For an artist whose public image is deeply tied to progressive politics, particularly around Palestine, that was unacceptable.
The Belfast-based rap trio Kneecap have built a reputation on politically charged lyrics and bold pro-Palestinian stances. But they’ve also been accused of ties to Hezbollah and Hamas — allegations they strongly deny.
In May, band member Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) was charged in the UK with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2023 performance. His case remains pending.
More recently, the Canadian government banned Kneecap from entering the country, accusing them of endorsing political violence. The group called the accusations “deeply malicious” and threatened legal action against Canadian MP Vince Gasparro.
Despite the controversy, their presence at Glastonbury was hailed as a victory for artistic freedom and pro-Palestinian advocacy.
This isn’t the first time Dua Lipa has spoken out. In 2021, she joined Bella and Gigi Hadid in condemning Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. She’s also faced criticism from pro-Israel groups, who accused her of antisemitism — accusations she has strongly rejected.
By firing Levy, Dua Lipa has made what many see as her clearest political statement yet. The move sends a signal that she’s willing to risk professional fallout in order to stay true to her convictions.
As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Dua Lipa didn’t just talk about Palestine. She acted. That’s power.”
Dua Lipa’s move comes as momentum builds in the music world for a cultural boycott of Israel.
Just last week, more than 400 musicians and record labels signed onto the initiative “No Music for Genocide”, pledging to pull their music from Israel in protest against its war in Gaza and what they describe as “ethnic cleansing” in the West Bank.
The statement reads:
“This tangible act is just one step toward honoring Palestinian demands to isolate and delegitimize Israel as it kills without consequence on the world stage.”
From small indie labels to mainstream artists, the campaign reflects a growing shift within the global music industry.
Dua Lipa’s former agency, WME (William Morris Endeavor), has yet to publicly comment on the split.
The silence raises questions about how agencies will navigate growing pressure from artists who refuse to separate art from politics. If one of the world’s biggest pop stars is willing to fire her agent over Palestine, others may soon follow.
Celebrities taking political stances is nothing new. But the sheer risk of Dua Lipa’s move sets it apart.
Unlike a simple tweet or Instagram post, firing a powerful agent with deep industry ties signals a willingness to prioritize principle over career. For many fans and activists, it’s a powerful example of cultural resistance.
For critics, however, it’s a dangerous blurring of art and politics — and potentially damaging for an industry already fractured by political boycotts.
The debate over Israel and Palestine has long divided the entertainment world. From Roger Waters of Pink Floyd to younger stars like Kehlani, artists have faced backlash for supporting Palestine.
At the same time, pro-Israel voices in Hollywood and music remain influential, often pushing back hard against boycotts.
Dua Lipa’s move may signal a generational shift: younger artists, less tethered to old industry power structures, are more willing to speak out — and take risks.