A leading fashion designer defended Hamas and attacked Zionist “parasites” in the wake of the October 7 attack.

Nasir Mazhar, who has created headwear for popstars Madonna and Lady Gaga, wrote on Instagram: "And we have Zionists in our Industry amongst us supporting this. I think it's near time to name and shame these parasites."

In another post, the hat-maker, who also lectured at the Central Saint Martins art school, defended Hamas in the wake of the terror group’s October 7 attack against Israel.

Writing in December, he said: “Hamas is a resistance movement and Palestinians have every right under international law to defend themselves and resist the theft and occupation of its land from European and American settlers.

“Israel is a terrorist state and always has been and the sad truth is that England created this disaster and continues to support the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestine.”

Mazhar rose to prominence a decade ago as an idiosyncratic milliner.

He has collaborated with high-profile rapper Skepta and produced head gear for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony.

His comments were written in the months following Hamas’s brutal attack against Israel that saw 1,200 people killed, scores of hostages kidnapped, and civilians slaughtered.

Last November, top models, designers and executives called upon the fashion industry to do more to tackle anti-Jewish racism within its ranks.

An open letter signed by over 1,000 people said: “Antisemitism, in any form, has no place in our society, let alone within an industry that prides itself on creativity and acceptance.”

Sophie Mechaly, founder of Paul & Joe, said: “As a Jewish designer, I have personally witnessed distressing antisemitism through social media attacks.

“It is with great urgency that I join this call for the fashion industry to take more proactive steps in combating antisemitism.”

Mazhar has been contacted for comment.