NSW Police investigating DJ Haram for potential racial hate law breaches at Biennale of Sydney
NSW Police says it is investigating comments made by DJ Haram during a Biennale of Sydney performance. (Supplied)
In short:
NSW Police are investigating an American DJ's comments for potential breaches to racial hate laws.
Zubeyda Muzeyyen, known as DJ Haram, urged Biennale of Sydney attendees to "oppose the Zio-Australian-Epstein empire" during a performance last week.
What's next?
The event organiser says it will review the performer's comments and fully cooperate with NSW Police.
New South Wales Police are investigating whether an American DJ breached racial hate laws during a Biennale of Sydney performance last week.
US electronic performer, Zubeyda Muzeyyen, known as DJ Haram, was performing at White Bay Power Station on opening night of the Biennale of Sydney last Friday when she made the comments to the crowd.
In a video uploaded to social media, Ms Muzeyyen can be heard urging attendees to "oppose the Zio-Australian-Epstein empire" before she led the crowd with a chant of "long live the resistance" and "glory to all of our martyrs".
Earlier in the speech, she also made references to "fascist art-washing" and "the Zionist entity".
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies confirmed it referred Ms Muzeyyen's comments to NSW Police for investigation on the grounds they could breach NSW incitement to racial hatred laws and the Commonwealth offence of advocating for terrorism.
In the letter, president David Ossip said the reference to "Zio-Australian-Epstein empire" was "capable of inciting hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule" towards Jewish Australians.
"The statement appears to promote a conspiratorial narrative suggesting malign influence by Jewish Australians," Mr Ossip wrote.
"The reference to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child abuser, compounds this insinuation by implicitly associating Jewish Australians with criminality and abuse."
Commissioner Lanyon says the DJ's comments will be investigated. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
'High bar' for hate speech
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed the comments were under investigation.
"We'll review what was said, the context of what was said and line that up against the legislation to determine whether any offences were committed," he told ABC Radio Sydney.
"It's important to know that hate crimes, hate speech, has a high bar. There's a reason for that high bar. Obviously free speech is something we value in this country.
"We need to make sure an offence has been committed. If so, we'll take action."
In a statement, the Biennale of Sydney said it was conducting a review into the "unannounced" statements by DJ Haram and that it would fully cooperate with any inquiries from NSW Police.
"The Biennale has a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, or any form of hate speech," the statement 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."
Comments 'inflammatory'
Mr Graham says the comments made people feel unwelcome. (ABC News: Greg Bigelow)
NSW Arts Minister John Graham condemned the remarks and said they made people feel unwelcome.
"These comments are inflammatory and wrong," he said.
"The Biennale needs to publicly spell out how it will make Jewish audiences feel welcome after these comments."
Following the DJ's remarks, accounting giant PwC announced it would withdraw its association with the Biennale of Sydney festival.
"We entered this partnership to support an experience and series of arts and creative culture events which would be welcoming and inclusive for everyone," the company said in a statement.
"Following comments made by a performer at the opening night event, we no longer have confidence that the festival can meet our expectations.
"We condemn the comments made and reject antisemitism and all forms of hate."
The company said its decision meant all its logos and branding would be removed from event material.
An event scheduled for Thursday has also been cancelled.
On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns said he expected cultural and arts institutions to use taxpayer funds to represent every member of the community and not be a "platform for hate".
The ABC has contacted Ms Muzeyyen and her booking agent for a response.