Primal Scream have stated that a video featuring alleged antisemitic imagery was considered a «piece of art» and was created to «provoke debate, not hate.»
Warning: This article contains alleged antisemitic imagery.
The Scottish rock band has been reported to the Metropolitan Police for showcasing a film during their Roundhouse concert in Camden, London on Monday, which seemed to include imagery of the Star of David intertwined with a swastika.
Authorities are currently reviewing the report.
‘Film is a piece of art’
In an Instagram statement, Primal Scream expressed, «The film is a piece of art. It clearly draws from history to question where the actions of current world governments sit in that context. It is meant to provoke debate, not hate.
«In a free, pluralistic, and liberal society, freedom of expression is a right which we choose to exercise.»
Founded by frontman Bobby Gillespie in 1982, Primal Scream was commemorating a 25-year anniversary show for their album XTRMNTR.
During their performance of Swastika Eyes, images of political figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared behind them, featuring what seemed to be the Star of David combined with a swastika in their eyes.
Venue ‘appalled’
The Roundhouse has issued an apology, expressing their shock that «antisemitic imagery was displayed,» emphasizing that it was done without their knowledge.
In their statement, they mentioned, «We deeply regret that these highly offensive images were presented on our stage and unequivocally apologize to anyone who attended the gig and to the wider Jewish community.»
They further added, «Our organization absolutely condemns antisemitism in every form.»
Call for ‘urgent investigation’
The Community Security Trust (CST), a group offering protection for Jewish communities in the UK, has reported the band to the police and urged the venue to conduct an «urgent investigation.»
In their statement, a CST spokesperson expressed, «CST is appalled by the grossly antisemitic image displayed at Primal Scream. Entwining a Star of David with a swastika implies that Jews are Nazis and risks encouraging hatred of Jews.
«There needs to be an urgent investigation by the venue and the promoter about how this happened, and we have reported this to the police.»
What have police said?
Responding to the report, a Met Police spokesperson stated, «On Wednesday, 10 December, we received a report in relation to a video shown on stage during a concert at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm Road, Camden on Monday, 8 December.
«It is currently under assessment by officers.»
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‘Unadulterated hatred’
The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism remarked, «The Nazi swastika represents the ideology that inspired people to industrially slaughter six million innocent Jewish men, women, and children by bullet, gas, and any other means available.
«To visually combine that with the Star of David – the pre-eminent symbol of Judaism – is absolutely sickening and totally inexcusable.
«This isn’t art. This isn’t edgy. This isn’t a political statement. It is unadulterated hatred and a clear breach of the international definition of antisemitism.
«We will be reaching out to the Camden Roundhouse, and our legal team is examining the footage to consider further steps.»