Pink Floyd star Roger Waters says he was opposing “fascism, injustice and bigotry” when he posed firing an imitation machine gun while wearing a Nazi-inspired uniform at a concert in Berlin.
Police in Germany have launched an investigation after the British musician was filmed wearing a long black coat and red armband – featuring crossed hammers instead of swastikas – as he pretended to shoot the fake weapon during a skit between songs.
Germany has strict rules against the use of Nazi imagery – punishable by up to three years in prison – although its laws do allow exceptions for artistic or educational reasons.
Video clips and photos of the show, at the German capital’s Mercedes-Benz Arena on 17 May, have sparked outrage.
Another image of the concert shows the name of Holocaust victim Anne Frank in large letters as a backdrop.
In a statement, Waters said the performance had “attracted bad faith attacks from those who want to smear and silence me because they disagree with my political views and moral principles.”
“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,” he added.
“Attempts to portray those elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated.”
Water said the depiction of an “unhinged fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyd’s The Wall in 1980”.
He added: “I have spent my entire life speaking out against authoritarianism and oppression wherever I see it.
“When I was a child after the war, the name of Anne Frank was often spoken in our house, 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.
“Regardless of the consequences of the attacks against me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all those who perpetrate it.”
This story originally appeared on Skynews
