The court dismissed Gillham’s discrimination claim against the MSO, finding the orchestra’s actions were justified regardless of Gillham’s political stance and that the cancellation did not amount to unlawful discrimination based on political beliefs.

In Federal Court, Justice Graeme Hill ruled that Gillham’s Gaza-related political content was not the substantial and operative reason for the MSO’s cancellation decision.

Both sides signaled they may apply for costs after the decision, while Gillham’s spokesperson did not provide an immediate reply and the pianist remains based in London.

The trial referenced prior settlements connected to the MSO controversy, including an in-principle deal with Galaise in March 2025 and separate confidential settlements in 2024–2025.

The report notes that further information or developments were forthcoming.

The Guardian reported on the outcome on July 10, 2026, noting Gillham lost the discrimination claim.

Gillham was dismissed after the MSO cancelled a scheduled August 2024 Melbourne concert following his Gaza-related remarks praising journalists killed in Gaza and suggesting some were targeted by the IDF.

Gillham sued the MSO alleging unlawful discrimination over his Gaza comments and Israel-related views, claiming the cancellation was designed to silence him.

Gillham argued the MSO cancelled the August 15, 2024 Melbourne show to silence his political stance.

On the final day, Justice Hill suggested a negotiated settlement could benefit both sides, even though the legal outcome favored the MSO, and he warned about long-term implications for public perception.

The MSO spent about $689,000 on legal costs in 2024 plus another roughly $954,000 on governance restructuring and redundancy payouts in the same year, largely tied to the Gillham affair.

MSO defended its stance as neutral on the Israel-Palestine issue and argued it needed to control its stages, while Gillham contended artists have political expression rights and pointed to prior MSO politically oriented events as evidence of its stance.