Roger Waters: Pink Floyd Legend Embroiled in New Controversy as Legal Challenges Mount

Legal Challenges and Current Controversy

Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters is facing possible prosecution after declaring support for Palestine Action, an organization that was designated as a terrorist group under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 as of July 5, 2025.

In a recent statement, Waters praised Palestine Action as a “great organisation” and “nonviolent,” despite the fact that support for the group is now classified as a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine.

Musical Legacy and Recent Events

Waters, who was born on September 6, 1943, co-founded Pink Floyd in 1965 as the bassist. Following Syd Barrett’s departure in 1968, he became the band’s lyricist, co-lead vocalist, and conceptual leader, contributing to legendary albums including The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall.

Recent controversies have affected his professional relationships, leading to his reported dropping by music rights company BMG over inflammatory remarks about Israel, Ukraine, and the US. Furthermore, his former bandmate David Gilmour has explicitly stated he will “absolutely not” perform with Waters again, criticizing Waters’ controversial comments about the war in Ukraine and his apparent support of certain political figures.

Ongoing Impact and Future Implications

A London high court has recently found that statements made by Waters during an Al Jazeera interview were defamatory, with Justice Jennifer Eady concluding that Waters was making statements of fact rather than opinions. This ruling advances the lawsuit toward trial.

While Waters continues to tour and perform Floyd music alongside his solo material, the band’s musical assets were recently acquired by Sony for approximately $400 million, demonstrating the enduring value of Pink Floyd’s musical legacy despite ongoing controversies surrounding its co-founder.