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Watch: Pro-Palestinian protest prompts scuffle onstage at Royal Opera House in London

Singers were taking their bows after the end of the opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Director Adele Thomas’ production reinterprets the story of desire and an all-consuming curse, the opera said.

Images posted on social media show what appears to be a member of the chorus holding the unfurled flag in front of his chest while the lead singers bask in the audience's applause. (Photo: X/@trishaposner)

A performer at the Royal Opera House in London sparked controversy by unfurling a Palestinian flag on stage during the curtain call of “Il Trovatore” on Saturday night. The incident led to a brief scuffle as an official attempted to remove the flag, but the performer held his ground, refusing to let go.

Images and Videos shared online show the performer standing with the flag across his chest while the lead singers faced the audience. The audience was applauding as the lead singers took their bows, seemingly unaware of the commotion unfolding behind them.

WATCH the moment a cast member battles to unfurl a Palestinian flag in a protest at the Royal Opera House.

These virtue signalers are everywhere. pic.twitter.com/3tilvlK56f

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) July 20, 2025

When asked about potential disciplinary action against the performer, the opera company declined to comment, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP).

The incident occurred during the season’s final performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” which translates to “The Troubadour.” Director Adele Thomas’ production offers a reinterpretation of the story, focusing on themes of desire and an all-consuming curse.

In a later statement, the opera company emphasized their commitment to political impartiality, saying, “The display of the flag was spontaneous and unauthorized action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet & Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality.”

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