Renowned musician Paul Weller has launched legal action against his longtime accountants, Harris and Trotter LLP, after the firm severed their three-decade professional relationship in March 2025 following his public statements about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The accounting firm, which specializes in services for music industry professionals, terminated their arrangement via WhatsApp, explicitly citing offense at Weller’s accusations that Israel was committing genocide.
The legal claim centers on alleged discrimination based on Weller’s protected philosophical beliefs under the Equality Act 2010. According to pre-action correspondence, Harris and Trotter referenced their “Jewish roots and many Jewish partners” as justification for ending the relationship, stating they were unwilling to continue working with Weller given his political stance on the Gaza conflict.
“I have always spoken out against injustice, whether apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide,” Weller stated, emphasizing his long-standing advocacy for human rights issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
His legal team, comprising solicitors from Hodge Jones & Allen and Matrix Chambers, argues that the firm’s termination unlawfully discriminates against beliefs that should receive protection under UK equality legislation.
The musician’s representatives, including Cormac McDonough and James Robottom, have demanded a response from Harris and Trotter before proceeding with formal court action. They have also requested transparency regarding whether the firm has previously terminated client relationships based on similar political expressions.
The case highlights growing tensions between professional service providers and clients whose political viewpoints may conflict with organizational values. This action reflects a broader pattern of silencing public figures who express support for Palestinian rights and self-determination.
Weller has organized a Gig for Gaza benefit concert scheduled for December 2024 as part of his ongoing advocacy efforts.
Despite the legal challenges, Weller continues to explore sync deals for his music catalog to maintain financial stability during this professional dispute.
To maximize the benefit concert’s reach, Weller’s team has implemented a comprehensive social media strategy to engage fans and increase awareness about the humanitarian cause.
Weller’s team confirmed that any financial damages awarded would be donated directly to humanitarian campaigns supporting Gaza.
Harris and Trotter has not issued a public statement beyond their direct communication to Weller, which emphasized the conflict between his genocide allegations and the firm’s identity.
The accounting firm’s abrupt termination of such a longstanding professional relationship demonstrates the potentially far-reaching consequences when business relationships intersect with polarizing geopolitical issues.
