67-year-old Brit musician Paul Weller is suing the accounting firm he was a client of for more than 30 years after he claims a partner at the firm fired him as a client for his “anti-Israel views” via a WhatsApp message
According to a press release from Weller’s lawyers, London-based Harris and Trotter LLP partner Leigh Genis allegedly sent this message to Weller on WhatsApp:
“After acting for you and your companies for over 30 years, the purpose of this message is to advise you that we are resigning as accountants and tax advisors for you and your companies with immediate effect.
“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.”
Founding Harris and Trotter partner Ronnie Harris is a senior member of the UK Jewish Leadership Council, according to Times of Israel. Jewish Leadership Council lists him among 22 other vice presidents.
Weller directed his lawyers at Hodge Jones & Allen to take legal action against the accounting firm for discrimination related to his “protected philosophical beliefs” under the Equality Act 2010. Should they win in court, Weller says he will donate any damages to “humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.”
Weller had this to say in his lawyers’ press release: “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.”
Weller’s lawyer Cormac McDonough, a civil liberties partner, said the alleged act by the accounting firm “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.”
Weller will be playing the sold-out Gig For Gaza 2025 in October. “Every ticket contributes directly to life-changing initiatives by Medical Aid for Palestinians and Gaza Forever, providing critical medical aid, shelter, and hope,” he said in recent promotional posts on social media.
