Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds Sparks Controversy by Waving Palestinian Flag

Milan, Italy

Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds ignited social media controversy during a concert in Milan on Tuesday by waving a Palestinian flag. The moment, captured in video clips, quickly went viral and drew a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike.

In the clips, Reynolds can be seen picking up the flag, draping it over his shoulders, and later kissing it before tossing it into the audience. The videos garnered millions of views, with supporters of Palestine praising the band for its gesture. One social media user remarked that it was “very nice to see more people showing support.”

However, not all responses were positive. Some Jewish fans and pro-Israel commentators expressed their outrage. “It looks like the band ‘Imagine Dragons’ supports terrorism,” said ACT for America Chairman. A Jewish woman, whose grandparents were Holocaust survivors, accused the band of “waving their solidarity with terrorists,” adding that it was disheartening to see the band’s stance.

In contrast, liberals celebrated the band’s apparent political stance, poking fun at their previous rival, Radiohead, for rebuffing an anti-Israel heckler at a show last October. Comedian Matt Lieb quipped about the moment, noting the band had garnered respect in this context.

During the same concert, Reynolds also waved a Ukrainian flag, highlighting his band’s ongoing activism. Previously, representatives from Imagine Dragons have not commented directly on the backlash or on Reynolds’ decision to perform in Israel.

In a prior interview, Reynolds stated he believes in performing for fans regardless of geopolitical tensions. “I don’t believe in depriving our fans who want to see us play because of the acts of their leaders and their governments,” he explained.