Dan Reynolds’ Palestinian Flag Gesture Goes Viral Amid Tel Aviv Show Controversy

May 29, 2025: A moment during Imagine Dragons’ concert in Milan on Tuesday has set social media ablaze, as frontman Dan Reynolds was seen picking up a Palestinian flag thrown onto the stage and draping it over his shoulders while continuing to perform.

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The gesture drew cheers from the audience but triggered mixed reactions online, especially due to the band’s previous decision to perform in Israel amid boycott calls.

🔥 The Viral Moment

The video of Reynolds holding the Palestinian flag has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking heated debate. While some praised the move as a show of solidarity, others accused the band of hypocrisy, pointing to their performance in Tel Aviv in 2023, prior to the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war.

🎤 Reynolds’ Past Defense

In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Reynolds defended their decision to perform in Israel, saying:

“I don’t believe in depriving our fans of seeing us just because of the actions of their leaders and governments… There are corrupt leaders and warmongers all over the world.”

Despite public appeals, including from Holocaust survivor and activist Dr. Gabor Maté, Imagine Dragons went ahead with their show in Tel Aviv, playing to 60,000 fans at Yarkon Park.

🥁 Other Voices and Context

Band drummer Daniel Platzman, who is Jewish, also performed during the controversial Tel Aviv show. That summer, singer Robbie Williams also faced boycott calls before his concert in Israel, but stood firm in his support for the Jewish community.

🧵 In A Nutshell

Dan Reynolds’ act of draping a Palestinian flag during the Milan show has renewed scrutiny over Imagine Dragons’ stance on Middle East politics. While the moment was cheered by some fans, others continue to question the band’s consistency and past choices.