News
May 26, 2023 | 10:50 PM
British rocker Roger Waters defended himself on Friday after German police launched an investigation into the Pink Floyd co-founder over the Nazi costume he wore to a concert in Berlin last week.
“We are investigating on suspicion of inciting public hatred because the clothes worn on stage could be used to glorify or justify the Nazi regime, thereby disrupting public order,” Berlin police spokesman Martin Halweg said.
Waters wore a long black coat, black gloves and black sunglasses — complete with a red armband — during part of his May 17 performance, in which he fired a mock machine gun into the crowd while flanked by men dressed in military uniform.
“The clothing resembles the clothing of an SS officer,” said Halweg.
The 79-year-old defended his costume choice, saying it was a clear statement “against fascism, injustice, bigotry in all its forms”.
“My recent performance in Berlin has led to bad faith attacks from those who seek to smear and silence me for disagreeing with my political views and moral principles.” he said in a statement.
“Attempts to portray those elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated. The depiction of an unhinged fascist demagogue has been a hallmark of my shows since Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in 1980.”
Dozens of Twitter users rushed to taunt the rocker, including the state of Israel.
“Good morning to everyone except Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust,” it wrote.
Other German cities, including Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne, tried to cancel Waters’ concerts after Jewish groups accused him of anti-Semitism over his support for Palestine.
Earlier this year, the city of Frankfurt called Waters “one of the world’s most well-known anti-Semites,” according to Billboard.
The “Wish You Were Here” singer dismissed the allegations on Friday, claiming he used his platform to oppose “authoritarianism and oppression”.
“When I was a child after the war, the name Anne Frank was often spoken in our house, she became a permanent reminder of what happens when fascism goes unchecked. My parents fought the Nazis in World War II, with my father paying the ultimate price,” he said.
“Regardless of the consequences of the attacks against me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all those who perpetuate it.”
The attempts to stop his performances all over Germany were unsuccessful – the last tour date in the country is scheduled for May 28 in Frankfurt.
With message wires