The Berlin police are investigating Roger Waters’ Nazi costume
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 the suspicion of incitement to hatred because the clothes worn on stage could be used to glorify or justify the Nazi regime and thus disturb public peace,” said Berlin police spokesman Martin Halweg.
Waters wore a long black coat, black gloves and black sunglasses — complete with a red armband — during part of his performance on May 17, during which he fired a mock machine gun at the crowd while flanked by men in military regalia.
“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 provoked malicious attacks from those who want to denigrate and silence me for disagreeing with my political views and moral principles.” he said in a statement.
“Attempts to portray these elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated. Portraying a mad fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyd’s The Wall in 1980.”
Numerous Twitter users, including the State of Israel, rushed to denigrate the rocker.
“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 because of his support for Palestine.
Earlier this year, the city of Frankfurt called Waters “one of the most well-known anti-Semites in the world.” according to Billboard.
The “Wish You Were Here” singer denied the allegations on Friday, claiming he’s using his platform to speak out against “authoritarianism and oppression.”
“When I was a kid, after the war, the name Anne Frank was spoken a lot in our house, becoming a lasting reminder of what happens when you don’t give fascism control. My parents fought against the Nazis in World War II, and my father paid the ultimate price,” he said.
“Regardless of the consequences of the attacks against me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all who perpetuate it.”
Efforts to halt his performances across Germany have been unsuccessful – the final tour date in the country is scheduled for May 28 in Frankfurt.
With mail wires
