Roger Waters dropped by BMG over Israel comments

CaractacusPotts@lemmy.ca to News@lemmy.world – 124 points –
Roger Waters dropped by BMG over Israel comments
theguardian.com
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Being an anti-Zionist is not the same as being anti-semitic

This is far from the first time Waters has been labeled antisemitic, though it’s maybe the first time the allegations against him have come from close associates citing specific instances where he allegedly denigrated Jewish people. Ezrin — who produced Pink Floyd’s The Wall — recalled Waters making up a song about the band’s former agent, Bryan Morrison: “I can’t remember the exact circumstance,” Ezrin said, “but something like, you know … the last line of the couplet was, ‘Cause Morry is a fucking Jew.’ It was my first inclination that there may be some antisemitism under the surface.”

Stachel, meanwhile, claimed Waters once grew frustrated during a vegetarian meal, eventually declaring, “That’s it! That’s it! Where’s the meat? Where’s the meat? What’s with this? This is Jew food! What’s with the Jew food? Take away the Jew food!”

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/roger-waters-antisemitism-allegations-palestine-support-1234834848/

That doesn't sound anti-Zionist to me.

What in the actual fuck with the vegetarian thing?

Don't you know about the notoriously vegetarian Jews with their beef brisket and their bagels and lox and their gefilte fish and their matzoh ball (and chicken) soup?

Waters making up a song about the band’s former agent, Bryan Morrison:

I'm not sure I believe the anecdotal evidence of a former producer. I reserve judgement until further evidence is provided

That first-hand account about the "Jew food" thing from his bandmate isn't good enough evidence for you either?

No on its own it isn't. First of all I'd like to see Waters respond and secondly I'd like to see more than one person relate the account.

I am old enough to remember the hit job done on Jeremy Corbyn for expressing support for Palestinians.

So two different people on two different occasions heard him say something antisemitic, but unless someone else was around to corroborate something that was said 20 years ago, it's not reasonable enough to assume he ever said anything antisemitic.

Would second former bandmate Dave Gilmour also calling him an antisemite be enough? https://variety.com/2023/music/news/roger-waters-antisemitic-says-polly-samson-david-gilmour-agrees-pink-floyd-ukraine-1235515432/

Would the leaked email where he suggested writing an anti-Jewish slur on an inflatable pig at his concert be enough? https://antisemitism.org/caa-releases-roger-waters-dirty-k-e-mail-and-interviews-with-former-associates-in-new-expose-documentary/

How about the fact that Frankfurt tried to ban his concert for being antisemitic after he appeared on stage elsewhere in Germany with a Nazi-like uniform plus had a pig with a Star of David on it and Waters went to court to get the show put back on? https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/25/roger-waters-pink-floyd-wins-legal-battle-to-gig-in-frankfurt-amid-antisemitism-row

Does he have to literally start goosestepping and shouting, "Jüden Raus" while doing a guest spot on The Tonight Show or something? I mean what exactly would convince you that maybe, just maybe, Roger Waters doesn't like Jews?

I typed out a long response and then I reconsidered. Honestly I don't give a rats ass what you think about this. I stand by my original statement.

I will wait for Waters to comment and I will reevaluate if more information comes to light. You however are free to drink the Kool-Aid.

Because, of course, it's impossible for anyone to hate Jews just for being Jews. When has that ever happened?

Read the article. Thet said he was anti-semitic, take it up with them.