Truth, Lies, and Music
Dua Lipa Finally Breaks Silence on Jewish Agent Controversy
Pop star Dua Lipa responds to reports about firing her Jewish agent David Levy, denying claims and criticizing media coverage while reaffirming her stance on Palestine.
British pop star Dua Lipa has publicly responded to allegations that she fired her Jewish agent, David Levy, after he signed a petition calling for the removal of an anti-Israel band from the Glastonbury Festival.
In an Instagram story, Lipa lashed out at the Daily Mail, which initially reported the story.
"Not only was the story completely false," she wrote, "but the language used by the 'Daily Mail' was intentionally provocative, phrased purely for clickbait, and was clearly intended to fuel division online."
The controversy stems from an earlier report alleging that Lipa fired Levy after he signed a petition urging the Glastonbury Festival to remove the Irish band Kneecap, which is known for its outspoken anti-Israel views and for flying a Hezbollah flag on stage.
Lipa criticized Levy and other music industry managers for their actions against artists expressing their views.
"I don’t condone the actions of David Levy or any other executives in the music industry towards an artist expressing their truth," she continued. "I also can't ignore the way this was handled in the media."
Her statement concluded with a nod to her long-held political stance, writing,
"Always - Freedom for Palestine," before adding, "But to use a global tragedy just to sell newspapers is something I find very disturbing."
A source in the music industry had told the Daily Mail that "Dua made sure through her people that David Levy is no longer working on her music. She is openly pro-Palestinian and that doesn't sit with David's positions. She sees him as a supporter of Israel's war in Gaza and the terrible treatment of Palestinians."
Later on, A WME Spokesperson contacted JFeed to declare
"Reports suggesting that Dua Lipa or her management dismissed one of our agents because of his political views are categorically false. David Levy played a role in Dua’s early career (2016-2019) and as is customary, is credited both internally and in industry journals as being a member of the team. When he moved out of London in 2019, he transitioned into an advisory role and has not been involved in Dua’s day-to-day business since. Levy fully removed himself from the project among others earlier this year."