London, United Kingdom - July 20, 2025 A cast member at the Royal Opera House stirred controversy during the curtain call of Il trovatore on July 20 by unfurling a Palestinian flag on stage. The moment was captured in a video by X user Syd Cassimaty. It shows the performer standing silently at the back of the stage, gently waving a large Palestinian flag. As the audience applauds, a man emerges from the wings and tries to take the flag, but the performer resists and holds on. Two nearby cast members appear to sway in reaction to the scuffle. Meanwhile, some performers toward the front continue bowing, seemingly unaware of the protest unfolding behind them. Officials in the wings can be seen calling out to the performer, who stays focused and does not respond. A spokesperson for the Royal Ballet and Opera condemned the act, calling it "completely inappropriate for a curtain call." They added, "The display of the flag was spontaneous and unauthorised action by the artist. It was not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera and is not in line with our commitment to political impartiality." Audience members gave mixed reactions. Magdalini Liousa, from London, described it as "a really powerful moment" and called the performer "brave." But Christopher from Glossop said it "spoiled the atmosphere at the end of a brilliant performance." Another attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, said there were two attempts to take the flag, but only the second was captured on video. The performer’s identity remains unknown. Il trovatore concluded its 11-night run at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on Saturday.