Madonna is not the first to come under fire for performing in Israel: last August, Lana del Rey faced criticism after it was announced she was playing Israel’s inaugural Meteor Festival, with groups such as the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) comparing it to “playing a show in South Africa during Apartheid”.

“We will still be playing our show in Israel. That being said, I understand the concern towards showing support to the Palestinians too. So I just wanted to let you know when I’m in Israel I will be visiting Palestine too and I look forward to meeting both Palestinian and Israeli children and playing music for everyone. I want peace for both Israel and Palestine,” she responded at the time.

Similarly, in December 2017, Lorde received an open letter from fans, which stated that her planned Tel Aviv performance would equate to support for Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem (both of which are lands that Palestine claims).

“In this context,” they wrote, “a performance in Israel sends the wrong message. Playing in Tel Aviv will be seen as giving support to the policies of the Israeli government, even if you make no comment on the political situation.”

Lorde replied: “Noted! Been speaking w[ith] many people about this and considering all options. Thank [yo]u for educating me, I am learning all the time too.”

The musician subsequently cancelled the concert, calling her initial decision to perform in Israel a mistake. The concert promoters reimbursed fans who had purchased tickets.

Eurovision 2019: Madonna WILL perform in Israel, despite calls to boycott the contest