Paul Weller Sues Accountants Who Stopped Working With Him Following Gaza Comments

Paul Weller has launched legal action against his former accountants for services discrimination, after they ended their professional relationship with the British artist because of his comments relating to the war in Gaza.

The former Jam and Style Council frontman has joined the chorus of artists calling out Israel for committing genocide in Gaza, and has top billing for the sold-out Gig for Gaza, to be staged October 17th at Troxy London.

His position on the troubles in the Middle East, however, had pushback from Harris and Trotter LLP, his accountants for 30 years.

The firm, which specialises in providing accountancy services for music industry professionals, reportedly cut ties with Weller by way of a WhatsApp message back in March, stating they were “offended” with his publicly expressed views on the situation in Gaza.

The message, according to his reps, noted that the business had “Jewish roots and many Jewish partners,” and was then unable to continue to work with someone who held such views.

Weller has hit back, instructing solicitors from Hodge Jones & Allen to pursue legal action against the accountants for discrimination against him over his “protected philosophical beliefs” relating to the rights of the Palestinian people, under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

He is represented by Cormac McDonough of Hodge Jones & Allen and James Robottom of Matrix Chambers.

“I’ve always spoken out against injustice, whether it’s apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What’s happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe,” Weller comments in a statement.

“I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out. Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship – it’s complicity.

“I’m taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.

“No one should face discrimination for speaking out against the atrocities that the people of Gaza are being subjected to.”

Reps for Weller have disclosed the content of the WhatsApp message. “After acting for you and your companies for over 30 years, the purpose of this message is to advise you that we are resigning as accountants and tax advisors for you and your companies with immediate effect,” it reads.

“It’s well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide.

“Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.”

The Woking-born “Modfather” is a legend in his homeland where he has landed a raft of hits, including six No. 1 albums as a solo artist. His most recent LP, Find El Dorado (via Warner/Parlophone Records), a curated collection of songs that have inspired him, dropped this month and hit No. 5 on the Official UK Albums Chart, for his 29th solo Top 40 appearance.

Read more on Weller’s lawsuit here.