has hit back at the backlash to his use of a Nazi uniform during a show in Germany.
The Pink Floyd star, 79, on stage in Berlin, in a costume featuring crossed hammer imagery used by Neo-Nazis in 1982 film Pink Floyd: The Wall.
He also grabbed a ‘rifle’ and pretended to shoot it into the crowd, while the names of Holocaust victim Anne Frank and Al Jazeera journalist Abu Akleh, Ki**ed last year, appeared on screens.
German police have and the musician has faced major criticism for the stunt.
Now Waters has spoken out, slamming what he described as ‘bad faith attacks from those who want to smear and silence me because they disagree with my political views and moral principles.’
Defending the Nazi uniform and inflatable pig featuring the Star of David and the logo of an Israeli armaments firm, he went on: ‘The elements of my performance that have been questioned are quite clearly a statement in opposition to fascism, injustice and bigotry in all its forms.
‘Attempts to portray those elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated. The depiction of an unhinged fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyd’s The Wall in 1980.’
The musician said he has ‘spent my entire life speaking out against authoritarianism and oppression wherever I see it,’ recalling how Anne Frank ‘was often spoken’ of in his home and she became ‘a permanent reminder of what happens when fascism is left unchecked.’
‘My parents fought the Nazis in World War II, with my father paying the ultimate price.’
He finished: ‘Regardless of the consequences of the attacks against me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all those who perpetrate it.’
German police reportedly confirmed to Jewish News that a criminal investiation has been launched ‘regarding the suspicion of incitement’ during the show.
‘The context of the clothing worn is deemed capable of approving, glorifying or justifying the violent and arbitrary rule of the Nazi regime in a manner that violates the dignity of the victims and thereby disrupts public peace,’ Police chief inspector Martin Helwig reportedly added.
‘After the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal assessment.’
Back in the UK, an MP has called for a ban on Rogers performing in Manchester amid fears his ‘divisive actions’ could fuel anti-Jewish hatred.
Waters maintains he is not Antisemitic.
