Full Breakdown
Controversy Erupts at Sydney Biennale Over DJ Haram's Remarks
3/18/2026, 3:27:05 PM
Incident Overview: DJ Haram's Performance Sparks Outrage
The opening night of the Sydney Biennale, held at the White Bay Power Station, became a focal point of controversy following remarks made by US artist Zubeyda Muzeyyen, known as DJ Haram. During her performance, she claimed that a “Zio-Australian-Epstein empire” was responsible for silencing dissenters, a statement that has been condemned by Jewish advocacy groups as perpetuating antisemitic tropes. Additionally, she referenced “martyrs” and chanted the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which further inflamed tensions. The incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of publicly funded cultural institutions in Australia.
Government Response and Funding Implications
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns characterized DJ Haram's comments as “horrid rhetoric” and “distressing,” especially in light of the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach that resulted in 15 fatalities during a Hanukkah celebration. Despite calls for the government to withdraw funding from the Biennale, Minns rejected this notion, arguing that punitive measures would only amplify the visibility of the controversial rhetoric. He emphasized the importance of allowing cultural institutions to represent diverse voices while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity.
Reactions from Jewish Organizations
Jewish advocacy groups have expressed significant concern over the remarks made during the Biennale. David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, stated that the Biennale board must answer for allowing the festival to become a platform for hate. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, criticized the Biennale for promoting what he termed “lame antics” and warned that such incidents could deter donors and sponsors from supporting cultural institutions. Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, highlighted the obligation of Biennale organizers to understand the impact of their performers on social cohesion.
Biennale's Internal Review and Future Considerations
In response to the backlash, the Biennale's leadership, including chief executive Barbara Moore and artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi, announced an internal review of DJ Haram's statements. They affirmed their commitment to ensuring that public discourse on their platforms aligns with their code of conduct, which aims to foster inclusivity. The Biennale's funding structure, heavily reliant on public grants—over 50% of its operational budget—has intensified scrutiny over its programming choices.
Broader Implications for Arts Institutions
The incident at the Sydney Biennale reflects a growing challenge faced by cultural institutions worldwide, as they navigate the delicate balance between artistic freedom and the need for community respect. Critics argue that public funding necessitates a level of neutrality that was violated during the performance. The controversy raises essential questions about the role of arts organizations in a politically polarized environment and whether they can maintain safe, inclusive spaces for all community members.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fact that this dangerous rhetoric was propagated on the stage of an event which received significant NSW Government funding is scandalous.” — David Ossip, President, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies
- “Getting into a cycle where we threaten to pull arts and cultural funding has the perversely opposite view, opposite effect,” — Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales
- “No community should feel unwelcome or targeted at publicly funded cultural events,” — Jillian Segal, Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia
- “What is surprising is that the Biennale is happy to platform such lame antics,” — Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive, Executive Council of Australian Jewry
The Sydney Biennale continues to face scrutiny as it navigates the fallout from this incident, with the potential for policy shifts in future cultural events.
