Paul Weller is to sue his former accountants for dropping him following his public statements on Israel's actions in Gaza.
A discrimination claim has been filed by Weller against accountancy firm Harris and Trotter, with his legal team alleging that he was told in March that their accountants and tax advisers would no longer work with Weller or his companies over his political views.
A pre action letter, a WhatsApp message from a partner with the firm said the following: “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".
“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".
Paul Weller's lawyers have claimed that the firm's decision to cut all business ties with him is unlawful discrimination against protected philosophical beliefs, including the argument that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state.
“I’ve always spoken out against injustice, whether it’s apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe", Weller said. “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,” he added. “I’m 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".
This legal letter also confirmed that Paul Weller will donate any damages he receives from humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
A lawyer at Hodge Jones and Allen, Cormac McDonough who is representing Weller, said that this case “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", he added.
Harris and Trotter have yet to comment on the matter.
Back in June, Paul Weller was spotted enjoying a cup of tea with Kneecap in Dublin. More on this here.
