Slowthai apologises after complaints over anti-fascist T-shirt with Nazi swastika
‘I want you to know I stand firmly against antisemitism,’ said rapper
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Slowthai has apologised after crowds misinterpreted an anti-fascist T-shirt he was wearing, which bore a swastika and the word “destroy”.
The British rapper, real name Tyron Frampton, had worn the T-shirt on stage at the Osheaga music festival in Montreal, Canada.
After complaints emerged online, Slowthai wrote a statement on Twitter trying to explain the top’s meaning.
“I’m sorry to anyone who is offended by me wearing an anti-fascist/anti-regime T-shirt and the use of the symbol it represents,” he wrote.
“I want you to know I stand firmly against antisemitism and fascism of any kind, something the T-shirt was meant to illustrate with the word ‘destroy’ above the symbol.”
Slowthai’s apology came after the festival released a statement, saying: “A performer appeared on stage Saturday wearing a controversial T-shirt displaying a swastika that caused confusion. The T-shirt denounces the regime.
“We sincerely apologise to anyone who may have misinterpreted this message and felt hurt.”
This is not Slowthai’s first public apology. In 2020, he apologised to comedian Katherine Ryan after making sexual comments towards her at the NME Awards.
Read The Independent’s four-star review of Slowthai’s “fiery” and “furious” Coachella performance here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments