Advertisement Breaking CultureArt & designExhibitions Australia’s biggest arts festival reported to police as supporter withdraws Linda Morris March 17, 2026 — 4:25pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A NSW Police have been asked to “urgently” investigate incendiary comments allegedly made by a US electronic music producer at the opening night party at White Bay Power Station, which prompted the withdrawal of a leading corporate supporter. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies filed a lengthy police complaint on Tuesday, singling out Zubeyda Muzeyyen, better known as DJ Haram, for her alleged reference to the existence of a “Zio-Australian-Epstein empire” during a set she played last Friday night. DJ Haram. Instagram The advocacy body also complained that the DJ’s public praise for “martyrs” and exhortations of “long live the resistance” were “commonly understood” to support and encourage those who carried out “acts of political violence.” At the same time Biennale of Sydney confirmed PwC’s decision to withdraw its support for the multi-venue event, a showcase of 66 contemporary works by 83 artists from 37 countries which this year is celebrating its 25th edition. The consulting firm was listed as a “strategic partner”. Advertisement PwC said it was no longer confident that the festival could meet its expectations of an arts and culture event which was “welcoming and inclusive for everyone”. “We are disappointed by this outcome, as the Biennale is absolutely committed to being a unifying force and providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all audiences,” a festival spokesperson said. The police complaint represents the nadir of the relationship between the Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest visual arts festival – and elements of the Jewish community. Zubeyda Muzeyyen, who uses the stage name DJ Haram. The week before, the Jewish Board of Deputies declined an invitation to preview the multi-venue exhibition because of “objectionable” social media posts by “certain participating artists” and a comparable lack of Jewish artists in the program. Advertisement NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday described the performer’s alleged opening night comments as “horrific” and “distressing,” especially in light of the Bondi terror attack last December, but ruled out withdrawing $1.6 million in state funding from the Biennale. The performer is believed to have already left Australia for the US. Related Article City life A clapped out car and giant baobab tree: Biennale of Sydney lifts curtain, but misses one thing A festival spokesperson said the organisation would fully co-operate with any police inquiries. “If any organisation or member of the public believes that specific comments have breached the law, the appropriate course of action is to refer the matter to the relevant authorities,” they said. “The Biennale of Sydney did not commission, approve, or have prior knowledge of the statement made by DJ Haram. The views expressed by the artist are entirely her own and do not represent the views of the Biennale of Sydney, our board, or our government and corporate partners.” Advertisement In his letter of complaint, Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said Friday night’s reference to a “Zio-Australian-Epstein empire” was “capable of inciting hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule towards Jews or Jewish Australians on the grounds of race” within the meaning of the NSW Crimes Act. “Such statements, when made publicly at a major cultural event, may also reasonably cause members of the Jewish community to fear hostility, harassment or intimidation,” Ossip wrote, and may “go further and be seen to incite violence against Jewish Australians”. Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.