Biennale of Sydney reported to police as major supporter withdraws
NSW Police have been asked to “urgently” investigate provocative comments allegedly made by a US electronic music producer at an opening night party at White Bay Power Station, which led to the withdrawal of a prominent corporate backer.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies lodged a lengthy police complaint on Tuesday, naming Zubeyda Muzeyyen, better known as DJ Haram, over allegations of the existence of the “Zio-Australia-Epstein empire” in a set she played last Friday night.
The advocacy body also complained that the DJ’s public praise of “martyrs” and exhortations to “long live the resistance” were “generally understood” to support and encourage those committing “acts of political violence.”
At the same time, the Biennale of Sydney confirmed PwC’s decision to withdraw support for the multi-venue event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, showcasing 66 contemporary works by 83 artists from 37 countries. The consulting firm was listed as a “strategic partner.”
PwC said it was no longer confident that the festival could meet its expectations for an “inclusive and welcoming” arts and culture event.
“We are disappointed with 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 a low point in the relationship between the Sydney Biennale, Australia’s largest visual arts festival, and elements of the Jewish community.
A week earlier, the Board of Jewish Deputies had declined an invitation to preview the multi-site exhibition, citing “objectionable” social media posts by “some participating artists” and a similar absence of Jewish artists in the program.
NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday described the artist’s alleged opening night comments as “appalling” and “regrettable”, particularly in light of last December’s Bondi terror attack, but ruled out withdrawing $1.6 million in state funding from the Biennale. It is believed that the artist has already left Australia for the USA.
A festival spokesman said the organization would fully cooperate with any police investigation.
“If any organization or the public believes that certain comments violate the law, the appropriate course of action is to refer the matter to the appropriate authorities,” officials said.
“The Sydney Biennale did not commission, approve or have prior knowledge of the statement made by DJ Haram. The views expressed by the artist are entirely his own and do not represent the views of the Sydney Biennale, our board or our government and corporate partners.”
David Ossip, chairman of the Jewish Board of Deputies, said in his complaint letter on Friday night that references to the “Zio-Australia-Epstein empire” “may promote hatred, serious contempt or violent ridicule against Jews or Australian Jews on the basis of race” within the meaning of the NSW Crimes Act.
“Such statements, when made publicly at a major cultural event, could also reasonably cause members of the Jewish community to fear hostility, harassment or intimidation,” Ossip wrote, “and could go so far as to incite violence against Australian Jews.”
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