Israeli metalcore band Her Last Sight cancel tour of Germany after anti-trans / Palestine post

Israeli metalcore band Her Last Sight have announced the cancellation of their upcoming German tour following widespread criticism over an anti-trans and anti-Palestine social media post by one of the band’s members.

The controversy erupted after guitarist Ofek reposted an Instagram Reel, which included ableist language and stated “there are two genders” and that Palestine is not a real country. The post quickly drew condemnation online, with fans and advocacy groups labelling it discriminatory. The backlash prompted opening acts and venues across Germany to withdraw, leaving the band with no choice but to cancel the run of shows scheduled for later this month.

In a lengthy statement, Her Last Sight expressed disappointment over what they described as a “false narrative” and defended the post as “comedic” rather than harmful. The band insisted they do not subscribe to any social ideology or agenda, stating: “We are musicians. We create art. We use humour (sometimes bold, sometimes self-ironic) to entertain. Never to harm, never to exclude.”

They criticised what they called “cancel culture”, arguing that the situation reflects a broader issue of silencing creative expression.

LGBTQ+ advocates in Germany criticised the band’s stance, calling the guitarist’s post “harmful rhetoric disguised as humour.” One activist told local media:
“When you dismiss identities as a joke, you perpetuate discrimination. Freedom of expression doesn’t mean freedom from accountability.”