On May 31, 2025, at a concert in Milan, Italy, Imagine Dragons’ lead vocalist Dan Reynolds was seen holding a Palestinian flag. The act, intended as a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people and reflective of the band's history of human rights advocacy, sparked a polarized reaction, with many progressive fans hailing it as a courageous stand against oppression while critics condemned it as an unwelcome politicization of a complex conflict.

During a concert in Milan, frontman Dan Reynolds picked up a Palestinian flag thrown on stage and draped it over his shoulder, sparking a mix of applause and criticism given the band's prior performances in Israel. The act has been interpreted as a political gesture of solidarity with Palestinian causes amid contentious geopolitical contexts.

At a concert in Milan on Tuesday, lead singer Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons waved a Palestinian flag on stage, an act that has been widely interpreted as a show of support for the Palestinian cause. The gesture sparked significant discussion on social media, with pro-Palestinian voices praising the action and critics, including some pro-Israel commentators, condemning it.

Imagine Dragons defended their decision to perform in Israel and Azerbaijan despite significant criticism from activists and fellow artists. Frontman Dan Reynolds argued that canceling shows would deprive fans of live music, implicitly avoiding taking a stand against the governments' alleged human rights abuses and ethnic cleansing campaigns. This stance has drawn criticism for potentially normalizing and indirectly supporting regimes with repressive practices.

In contrast to their decision to perform in Azerbaijan, Imagine Dragons canceled shows in Kiev and Moscow, removed their discography from the Russian market, and partnered with UNITED24 to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. These actions showcase the band's commitment to human rights and a stance against authoritarian regimes.

Imagine Dragons proceeded with a concert in Baku, Azerbaijan on September 2, 2023, despite public criticism from Serj Tankian and human rights concerns. Tankian had warned the band about the Azerbaijani regime’s record of ethnic cleansing and humanitarian abuses, accusing them of lending legitimacy to an oppressive government. While the band has previously taken a stand by supporting causes such as Ukraine, their decision to play in Azerbaijan has sparked controversy and raised questions about their ethical business practices in the realm of human rights.

Despite warnings from vocalist Serj Tankian regarding Azerbaijan's human rights abuses and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, Imagine Dragons proceeded with a scheduled concert in Baku on September 2, 2023. Critics argue that by performing in Azerbaijan, the band risks normalizing an authoritarian regime implicated in severe humanitarian crises.

Prominent figures, including artists and human rights advocates, have urged Imagine Dragons to cancel their scheduled shows in Baku and Tel Aviv, arguing that performing in these locations may indirectly support regimes accused of serious human rights violations. The letter highlights the band's commitment to inclusion and human rights, calling on them to align their tour with these values.

Dr. Gabor Maté and several human rights organizations are calling on Imagine Dragons to cancel their Tel Aviv show, arguing that performing in what they describe as an apartheid state undermines the band's previous support for marginalized communities and human rights causes.

Imagine Dragons was announced as ambassadors for UNITED24, a humanitarian project by Ukrainian President Zelensky aimed at raising funds for humanitarian aid. The band, in a display of anti-fascist solidarity, has also canceled concerts in Russia and collaborated with Ukraine's First Lady on a fundraiser to supply ambulances, reflecting a commitment to support Ukraine amid its struggle against Russian aggression.

Imagine Dragons has demonstrated a consistent commitment to humanitarian causes and anti-authoritarian activism. The band performed at a 2014 Human Rights Concert in partnership with Amnesty International, launched the #One4 campaign in 2015 with proceeds from their song 'I Was Me' going to refugee support, awarded scholarships in 2021 to refugees and first‐generation students, and in 2020 collaborated with other artists to fund organizations combating systemic racism in the U.S.

Imagine Dragons teamed up with SAP SE and partners to launch the One4 Project, donating proceeds from their new song 'I Was Me' to support the UN Refugee Agency, demonstrating a strong commitment to aiding vulnerable refugee populations.