Hozier apologises to fan whose pro-Palestine scarf was removed by security at concert

Irish singer Hozier has apologised to a fan whose pro-Palestine scarf was allegedly removed by security at a London concert. 

Fan Hiba Ahmad documented the experience in a series of X (formerly Twitter) posts published in December 2023 following the Hozier concert at OVO Arena Wembley. 

In the posts, she stated: "So tell me why I got pulled aside and ESCORTED to wardrobe w/ a body cam for wearing a Palestine solidarity scarf at Hozier's concert? 

"Not even a kiffiyeh, just a Free Palestine scarf that I literally wear everywhere as a show of solidarity AND BECAUSE IT IS [sic] COLD!" 

According to Ahmad, arena staff demanded she remove the scarf as it was deemed to be "political" and claimed it was for her "own protection". 

In the X posts, she noted that fans were let into the venue with other items featuring political slogans, including a tote bag about animal cruelty. 

She went on to state that she and her friend were told to "either hand it in or get kicked out".

Ahmad, who was allegedly told that Hozier's team was behind the rule, stated, "Hozier, the arena insisted it was your team who demanded this. This is a shameful stance in the middle of a genocide. I paid for this ticket expecting a show which is politically aware, not this absolute cowardly clownery." 

Hozier posted on X this morning (February 26) to apologise to the fan for her experience. 

He stated, "Thank you to OVO Arena Wembley for clearing up this misunderstanding. The team and I have zero policy of prohibiting signs of any kind and I’m sorry to Hiba and her friends that they experienced this at the London show." 

His comment comes after Ahmad confirmed she spoke to the general manager about the incident in December. 

At the time, she posted on X: "I had a lovely chat with the general manager of OVO Arena who assured me I didn’t break any policies with my scarf and that the staff acted on the orders of Hozier’s tour manager who had insisted on removing any and all references to Palestine in the arena. 

"I will be receiving a public apology in the new year, the staff will continue receiving training on this issue, they will make their stance on political statements clear on their website, and they have also promised to donate money to humanitarian relief in Gaza." 

A spokesperson for Wembley Arena responded this week (February 22) and confirmed the decision to stop Ahmad was against Hozier's wishes. 

They said: "This was an isolated incident where venue policy wasn't followed as intended. The decision to stop the guest was not following artist wishes. We have apologised to those involved and are making a donation to the UNICEF Children In Gaza Appeal." 

Thank you to OVO Arena Wembley for clearing up this misunderstanding.
The team and I have zero policy of prohibiting signs of any kind and I’m sorry to Hiba and her friends that they experienced this at the London show. https://t.co/Ggrr6orBFI

— Hozier (@Hozier) February 26, 2024