Madonna Smuggles Israeli and Palestinian Flags Into Eurovision Interval

MAY 15 2019 · 12:35

Madonna (interval act) · "Future / Like a Prayer" · United States (guest) · 2019 Language: English · Venue: Expo Tel Aviv · Host: Tel Aviv, Israel · Type: political statement · Broadcast: streaming era Madonna's hotly anticipated 2019 Eurovision interval performance in Tel Aviv includes 'Like a Prayer' and a new song, 'Future' with Quavo. During 'Future', two of her dancers turn around mid-performance to reveal Israeli and Palestinian flags sewn onto the backs of their costumes, embracing. The EBU was not informed. The production team had specifically confirmed with Madonna's management that no flags would be displayed. The gesture is visible for about seven seconds before the camera cuts away. Context Israel was hosting after Netta's 2018 win. Pro-Palestinian BDS campaigners had pressured Madonna not to perform; she chose to attend but stage the flag moment as personal statement. The EBU publicly reprimanded Madonna's team afterward. KAN, Israeli host broadcaster, was not notified. Legacy The Madonna flag moment is now cited in studies of Eurovision political-neutrality enforcement — proof that pre-announced artists can still commit surprise political acts. BDS activists declared the moment a partial vindication; Israeli authorities criticized it. The EBU subsequently tightened pre-performance vetting. Madonna did not return to Eurovision.