At the opening night of the Sydney Biennale, DJ Haram's performance sparked outrage due to her remarks that linked Israel to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting a 'Zio-Australian-Epstein empire' was stifling dissent. Jewish groups and leaders, including New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, condemned this rhetoric as problematic and reminiscent of longstanding antisemitic tropes. Minns expressed that such speech should not be tolerated, despite the calls for governmental funding cuts to the Biennale being ruled out.

The controversy centers around DJ Haram's set, which included phrases that resonate with many in the Palestinian movement, such as 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' This statement and others chanted during her performance were perceived as overly provocative, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the sensitivity surrounding discussions of antisemitism. Critics argue that the comments contribute to negative stereotypes and potentially incite hatred against the Jewish community.

In response to the backlash, Minns affirmed the importance of supporting freedom of expression in the arts while simultaneously highlighting the responsibility artists have to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. His stance reflects a delicate balance between upholding artistic freedom and addressing the implications of rhetoric deemed harmful to specific communities, especially in a multicultural society like Australia.