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The Pink Floyd co-founder has been criticized for statements that are perceived as anti-Semitic. Now 15 organizations have contacted his BMG label.
Roger Waters , co-founder of Pink Floyd , is once again criticized for anti-Semitic statements and actions. Now an alliance of 15 organizations has written an open letter to Waters’ music label Bertelsmann/BMG. In this they call on the label’s CEO, Thomas Rabe, to reconsider the business relationship with the musician.
Waters has repeatedly attracted attention recently because of controversial statements. In a lengthy blog entry, he criticized the “German psyche ,” which allegedly made him appear to the public as an anti-Semite and Putin-understander. Furthermore, an appearance by him in a coat reminiscent of an SS uniform and relativizations of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine before the UN Security Council caused a stir. Some local politicians in Germany have already tried to get his concerts banned .
When Waters recently compared the murdered Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to Anne Frank at a concert, it struck a chord with many representatives of the Jewish community. In a merger, they addressed his label with clear words.
15 organizations against Roger Waters
15 different organizations participated in the letter written by the “Creative Community For Peace”. These include the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the “Anti-Defamation League”.
The letter to CEO Thomas Rabe states: “[…] We believe that artists have a unique and important responsibility to speak out against bigotry, given their enormous influence in today’s world. Mr. Waters has repeatedly shown that he is determined to do the opposite – and would instead use his voice, his platform and his public microphone to fan the flames of hate.”
Previously, reference is made to various incidents in connection with the artist. The comparison of Shireen Abu Akleh with Anne Frank is mentioned, but also an alleged call by Waters to destroy the state of Israel.
The alliance further stated: “Given Bertelsmann’s unique history – particularly its actions during World War II – we find it concerning that the company would continue to benefit from this relationship, especially when you have recently shown that anti-Semitism is not on your list should have space. We respectfully ask you to reconsider BMG’s professional relationship with Roger Waters and look forward to your response.”
So far, neither Rabe nor a spokesman for BMG nor Roger Waters have commented on the written letter.