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Legendary Australian singer John Williamson has broken his silence after one of his classic songs was played at an anti-immigration rally.
Williamson’s iconic hit True Blue was reportedly played during a March for Australia anti-immigration protest on Sunday, October 19.
In response to his song being used at the event,Williamson took to social media to lash out and reveal that he doesn’t support his song being used to support such a sentiment.
“True Blue is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division,” Williamson wrote on Facebook.
Police were called in during the October 19 protests in Melbourne. Photo / Luis Enrique Ascui, NewsWire
He added: “I believe in a multicultural society – one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms.”
Fans rushed to comment on the singer’s statement, with many agreeing with his sentiment.
“Good on you mate I agree. We’ve been travelling around Australia for 18 months on my book tour and met peoples from other countries now living and working in Australia. Good people who want so much to contribute to our great land,” replied one fan.
“Absolutely love it when artists come out and make a stand about their material being used for fascism, or to promote division or hate. Well done John Williamson,” wrote another.
A third agreed, adding: “100% agree with these sentiments️. I’m so disappointed in the world I’m seeing today, we appear to be going backwards!”
However, some of Williamson’s fans weren’t in agreement with the Aussie star.
“I’m confused now. So what does True Blue even mean? I think I have been mistaken my whole life, I thought it was about being proud to be an Australian. I guess not,” remarked one.
Another hit back, saying: “Are you kidding me, hijacked? It’s being used by Australians for Australians because we love your song and believe in the words. The only thing being hijacked is the meaning of the march by the media. It’s not racist to want to preserve our way of life. It’s not racist to wave our flag. It’s not racist to be a proud Australian!”
The protest turned ugly, with two police officers being injured and several arrests being made. Photo / Luis Enrique Ascui, NewsWire
Anti-immigration protests under the “March for Australia” banner took place across multiple Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra and Adelaide, on the weekend, with an estimated tens of thousands of participants nationwide.
Police used pepper spray, flash-bangs, and rubber bullets in Melbourne to separate rival groups after clashes broke out between protesters and counter-demonstrators, resulting in two police officers being injured and several arrests being made.
Police Commander Wayne Cheeseman blamed “issue-motivated people on the left” for violent acts against officers.
In 2015, Williamson previously took to social media after True Blue was used at Reclaim Australia rallies, saying that they “did not” have his approval to use the song.
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