Dua Lipa ends partnership with manager amid Palestine dispute and festival controversy

Monday 22 September 2025 - 13:28

By: Dakir Madiha

Dua Lipa ends partnership with manager amid Palestine dispute and festival controversy

Dua Lipa has officially severed ties with her longtime manager, David Levy, following a dispute over his stance on Palestine and his involvement in a campaign against the controversial rap group Kneecap. The fallout marks a significant shift in the singer’s professional relationships, driven by conflicting political perspectives.

A clash of principles

The dispute began when Levy co-signed a confidential letter to Glastonbury Festival organizers Michael and Emily Eavis, urging them to cancel Kneecap’s performance. The Belfast-based rap group has faced allegations of antisemitism and supporting Hezbollah militants. The letter, later leaked, revealed Levy’s alignment with other prominent Jewish music industry figures, intensifying tensions within the artist-management dynamic.

Sources within the music industry confirmed that Lipa, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, decided to terminate her working relationship with Levy. A source close to the singer stated, "Dua ensured through her team that David Levy no longer manages her music. She views his stance as a direct conflict with her values, particularly his support for Israel’s war in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinians."

Despite stepping away from Levy, Lipa remains with the William Morris Endeavor agency, now represented by a different agent.

Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance sparks debate

Levy’s campaign to block Kneecap from performing at Glastonbury ultimately failed, as the group took the stage despite the controversy. One member of the group, currently facing terrorism charges for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag during a 2024 concert, remains under scrutiny, with a trial scheduled later this month.

The group has also faced backlash for reportedly expressing support for Hezbollah and Hamas during their Coachella performance in April. While police received complaints about their Glastonbury set, no further action was taken.

Lipa’s advocacy for Palestine

Dua Lipa, who recently turned 30 and is engaged to actor Callum Turner, has long been an outspoken supporter of Palestine. In May 2024, she condemned what she described as "Israeli genocide" in Gaza to her 88 million Instagram followers and criticized Britain’s complicity in the crisis. However, she also expressed empathy for Israeli victims, calling the events of October 7 tragic for all sides.

Her political stance has solidified her reputation as an artist unafraid to address contentious global issues, even at the cost of professional relationships.

Fallout extends beyond Lipa

Levy’s stance has had broader repercussions within the music industry. Bristol-based band Massive Attack also cut ties with the manager over his position on the Palestine-Israel conflict, underscoring the growing polarization on the issue within the entertainment world.