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The Grammy award-winning producer and performer has been
targeted by the South African branch of the international
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel (BDS) movement.
It objects to Israel's 48-year-old occupation of territories
where Palestinians seek an independent state.
Williams is collaborating with Woolworths on its “Are You With
Us” campaign, acting as style director on several
sustainability-focused projects encompassing fashion and
fundraising for education.
“He is about to face the biggest backlash any artist has faced
in South Africa in over 30 years, since the days of apartheid,”
said Braam Hanekom, a BDS South Africa board member.
“He is walking into a very angry, unhappy environment because he
has chosen to walk with Woolworths,” Hanekom told Reuters after
the City of Cape Town denied an application by thousands to
protest at Pharrell's first concert on Sept. 21.
He said protesters could block roads on concert nights,
potentially delaying proceedings, or even rally inside venues.
Pharrell's representatives did not respond immediately for
comment. Grand West Casino, where the Cape Town concert will
take place, said they would not allow any protests on their
property. The second concert is in Johannesburg.
Pro-Palestine marches in South Africa often attract large
crowds, especially in Cape Town with its large Muslim community.
Woolworths said in a statement that it did not source produce
from the occupied territories, less than 0.1 percent of its food
came from Israel and that it clearly labeled every product's
country of origin.
The global BDS movement has also campaigned against British
security firm G4S over its Israel links. It says its pleas have
prompted musicians including Irish rocker Sinead O'Connor and
hip hop star Lauryn Hill to support its cause.
(Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
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