Danish pop singer Medina is facing sharper criticism for performing at a company party held by the weapons manufacturer Terma on September 11, 2026.
DR reported on September 22 that the criticism against the singer has intensified in the days since the event. According to DR, Medina appeared at the party alongside Spleen United, LIGA and Christopher.
DR describes Terma as a Danish weapons company that supplies components for Israeli fighter aircraft. The group Fællesinitiativet mod Racisme og Diskrimination and the musician Isam B have both criticized Medina over the booking. The criticism was also covered by Soundvenue.
Part of the criticism points back to Medina’s own earlier statements. In 2023 she shared a Berlingske article on Instagram about doctors in Gaza amputating limbs on children without anesthesia. Over the image she addressed Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen directly, asking how much it would take.
TV 2 reported on September 11 that the appearance had already prompted sharp criticism on the day of the party. The outlet also reported that Terma declined to comment. DR states that Terma again had no comment on the criticism directed at Medina.
Expert points to a wider debate
Helle Kannik Haastrup, a lecturer in film and media studies at the University of Copenhagen, says she understands why the criticism is spreading. She researches celebrity culture and spoke about the case on the P1 program K-Live on Monday. According to her, the case lands in the middle of a larger conversation about pop stars and political responsibility.
She describes pop stars as a prism in which cultural and social conflicts become visible. Per Haastrup, audiences expect consistency between what an artist posts and what that artist does professionally. She says Medina is known for emotional and heartfelt work, which raises those expectations.
Haastrup connects the timing to the case of Ed Sheeran, which she calls a kind of perfect storm. The British singer has faced heavy criticism after the rapper Macklemore was dropped as an opening act over pro-Palestinian statements. Sheeran initially avoided a clear political position, but used the first minutes of his concert in Philadelphia over the weekend to address the case and express sympathy with both Jews and Palestinians.
According to Haastrup, the relationship between artist and audience has changed. She says Generation Z expects people to take a position, including the pop stars they follow. Social media has also made the reaction harder to control, and she notes that Sheeran has closed comment sections on recent posts while comments continue elsewhere.
Medina’s management and booking agency sent DR a written comment. They stated that they are aware of the views raised last week about a private event where Medina performed as one of several Danish artists. According to the statement, the team has noted the debate and is discussing the different views internally.
