Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds Sparks Controversy by Waving Palestinian Flag in Milan

Imagine Dragons Applauded — and Criticized — for Waving Palestinian Flag at Milan Concert

On May 27, 2025, during a sold-out stop in Milan on their ongoing Loom World Tour, American band Imagine Dragons made headlines for more than just their music. As the final moments of the show unfolded, lead singer Dan Reynolds stood at the front of the stage, waving and kissing a Palestinian flag in front of a roaring crowd. The moment, captured in countless fan videos, spread rapidly across social media platforms, igniting global reactions ranging from admiration to controversy.

For many, the gesture was a powerful symbol of solidarity. Supporters praised Reynolds for what they saw as a brave stance during a time of increasing international attention on the humanitarian situation in Palestine. “Dan Reynolds just showed more courage than most world leaders,” one fan tweeted. “This is what using your platform looks like.” Others echoed the sentiment, calling the act “a rare show of conscience in the music industry.”

But not everyone agreed. Some critics accused the band of stepping into a highly politicized and polarizing issue without fully understanding the implications. Others questioned the timing, noting that Imagine Dragons had previously performed in Israel—a country at the center of the ongoing conflict. These detractors suggested the gesture could be seen as inconsistent or even opportunistic, depending on one’s interpretation.

Reynolds has long been known for his activism. Whether through his outspoken support for mental health initiatives, LGBTQ+ rights, or his founding of the LOVELOUD Foundation to support queer youth in religious communities, he’s carved out a reputation as an artist unafraid to engage with difficult issues. Still, waving the Palestinian flag on a European stage pushes that legacy into new, riskier territory.

Adding to the politically charged atmosphere, bassist Ben McKee performed with a guitar decorated with the transgender pride flag and LGBTQ+ rainbow colors. The gesture was subtle compared to Reynolds’ flag-waving, but it reinforced the message: the band continues to stand for inclusivity and human rights, no matter the stage or setting.

The reaction wasn’t just limited to social media. Fans and journalists began revisiting the band’s past tour decisions. In 2023, Imagine Dragons played shows in both Israel and Azerbaijan, countries that have faced human rights scrutiny. Reynolds addressed the backlash at the time, saying, “I don’t believe in depriving fans who want to see us play because of the acts of their leaders and their governments. I respect the right to protest, but I also believe in the power of art and music to connect us beyond politics.”

That philosophy now feels even more complex. By choosing to publicly support Palestinians, the band has now taken a more visible stance that some believe contradicts their earlier defense of neutrality. Yet others argue that people grow, and artists evolve alongside the world events they witness. Perhaps this gesture marks a shift — not just for Reynolds or Imagine Dragons, but for how global artists engage with politics on stage.

As the tour continues and the conversation grows, one thing is certain: Imagine Dragons have entered a new chapter. Whether celebrated or criticized, they’ve sparked a moment that won’t be easily forgotten. And for many fans watching from the crowd in Milan or behind a phone screen thousands of miles away, that one moment — a flag, a stage, a voice — said more than a thousand lyrics ever could.