Australia’s biggest arts festival reported to police as supporter withdraws

NSW Police have been asked to “urgently” investigate incendiary comments allegedly made by a US electronic music producer at the Biennale of Sydney opening night party at White Bay Power Station, which prompted the withdrawal of a leading corporate supporter.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies filed a lengthy police complaint on Tuesday, singling out Zubeyda Muzeyyen, better known as DJ Haram, for her alleged reference to the existence of a “Zio-Australian-Epstein empire” during a set she played last Friday night.

The advocacy body also complained that the DJ’s public praise for “martyrs” and exhortations of “long live the resistance” were “commonly understood” to support and encourage those who carried out “acts of political violence.”

At the same time Biennale of Sydney confirmed PwC’s decision to withdraw its support for the multi-venue event, a showcase of 66 contemporary works by 83 artists from 37 countries which this year is celebrating its 25th edition. The consulting firm was listed as a “strategic partner”.

PwC said it was no longer confident that the festival could meet its expectations of an arts and culture event which was “welcoming and inclusive for everyone”.

“We are disappointed by this outcome, as the Biennale is absolutely committed to being a unifying force and providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all audiences,” a festival spokesperson said.

The police complaint represents the nadir of the relationship between the Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest visual arts festival – and elements of the Jewish community.

The week before, the Jewish Board of Deputies declined an invitation to preview the multi-venue exhibition because of “objectionable” social media posts by “certain participating artists” and a comparable lack of Jewish artists in the program.

NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday described the performer’s alleged opening night comments as “horrific” and “distressing,” especially in light of the Bondi terror attack last December, but ruled out withdrawing $1.6 million in state funding from the Biennale. The performer is believed to have already left Australia for the US.

A festival spokesperson said the organisation would fully co-operate with any police inquiries.

“If any organisation or member of the public believes that specific comments have breached the law, the appropriate course of action is to refer the matter to the relevant authorities,” they said.

“The Biennale of Sydney did not commission, approve, or have prior knowledge of the statement made by DJ Haram. The views expressed by the artist are entirely her own and do not represent the views of the Biennale of Sydney, our board, or our government and corporate partners.”

In his letter of complaint, Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said Friday night’s reference to a “Zio-Australian-Epstein empire” was “capable of inciting hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule towards Jews or Jewish Australians on the grounds of race” within the meaning of the NSW Crimes Act.

“Such statements, when made publicly at a major cultural event, may also reasonably cause members of the Jewish community to fear hostility, harassment or intimidation,” Ossip wrote, and may “go further and be seen to incite violence against Jewish Australians”.

NSW Police confirmed officers attached to Leichhardt Police Area Command received a report of alleged offensive behaviour. Speaking to ABC Radio Wednesday, NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon said police would review the comments, and their context and “line that up against the legislation”.

“We’ll review It’s important to know that hate crimes, hate speech has a high bar and there is a reason for that high bar. Obviously, free speech is something that we value in this country. We need to make sure that an offence has been committed. If so, we’ll take action.”

Following inquiries, NSW Police said on March 26 it had reviewed all available evidence provided. Legal advice found there was “insufficient evidence to commence any proceedings”.

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