The Pop Corporation

Paul Weller has always been a political man, and never afraid of talking about what he believes in. From The Jam, to Style Council and beyond, he’s spoken his mind.

So with that, it’s remarkable that his accountants should suddenly find fault with that. It’s even more staggering that they didn’t assume he’d do something about it.

Weller is now suing his former accountants after they decided to stop their working relationship with him following his criticism of Israel over their prolonged attack on the people of Gaza.

Weller has filed a discrimination claim against Harris and Trotter, following his lawyers allegation that the songwriter was told they would no longer work with him Weller or his companies due to his political views.

It has been reported that Weller was told via a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm: “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.”
Weller’s lawyers have stated that, by choosing to end their business relationship, the firm unlawfully discriminated against his protected philosophical beliefs.

Weller said: “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.”

“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. 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.”

It has been added that Weller, should he receive any damages, will donate them to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.

Cormac McDonough, a lawyer at Hodge Jones and Allen, who happen to be representing Paul 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”, adding: “within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.”