Paul Weller has initiated a lawsuit against his former accounting firm after they severed their longstanding professional ties over his public stance on the Gaza conflict.
The Modfather relied on Harris & Trotter LLP for over three decades, only to receive notice that the firm would no longer represent him, citing offence at his outspoken allegation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as detailed by Hodge Jones & Allen, Weller’s legal counsel.
Weller’s legal team alleges that the accountants discriminated against him based on his protected philosophical beliefs regarding Palestinian rights, prompting the legal rebuttal.
The lawsuit promises to probe the UK’s Equality Act 2010—legislation prohibiting discrimination across services—with Hodge Jones & Allen warning of potential ramifications extending far beyond the music sector.
“I’ve consistently condemned injustice—be it apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide—and what’s unfolding in Gaza constitutes a humanitarian calamity,” Weller states.
“They deserve self-determination, dignity, and safeguarding under international law. I assert that Israel’s actions amount to genocide, and that reality demands to be challenged. Suppressing those who voice this truth is not mere censorship—it is complicity.”
“This lawsuit isn’t solely about my case; it’s about safeguarding anyone who dares to express convictions on Palestinian rights. Nobody ought to be penalised for opposing the atrocities inflicted upon Gaza’s residents.”
In his pre-action correspondence, Weller demands disclosure of any prior instances where the firm dropped or declined clients citing comparable grounds.
According to reports, in March his accountants abruptly resigned via WhatsApp. The message—published by Hodge Jones & Allen—stated: “While everyone is entitled to personal opinions, your anti-Israel assertions conflict with our firm’s Jewish heritage and the convictions of many partners, compelling us to cease representation.”
“This treatment exemplifies a growing trend to suppress artists and public figures championing Palestinian rights,” remarks Cormac McDonough, civil liberties partner at Hodge Jones & Allen. “Especially in the music world, we witness escalating attempts to marginalise voices in solidarity with Gaza. The Equality Act safeguards people from discrimination—including philosophical beliefs—and those protections must be enforced.”
Weller also lent his signature to an open letter defending the band Kneecap, who were targeted for exclusion from Glastonbury’s lineup after voicing support for Palestine.
Moreover, the former Jam and Style Council frontman headlines the sold-out Gig for Gaza, scheduled for October 17 at London’s Troxy.
This legal development follows the recent release of Weller’s Find El Dorado—a 15-track covers album featuring classics by the Bee Gees, The Kinks, Richie Havens, Christy Moore, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and others. The record marks his 29th solo Top 40 entry on the Official UK Albums Chart, six of which reached number one.
Weller has vowed to channel any damages awarded towards humanitarian relief initiatives in Gaza.
