Rob Thomas has apologised after slighting Indigenous Australians with a careless excess alcohol comment at Saturday’s Melbourne show.
After the inappropriate comments were brought to the singer’s attention, Thomas said he was “gutted”.
In a Facebook post Thomas apologised:
“After the show in Melbourne tonight while backstage with some of my Australian friends, it was brought to my attention that I said something that is racist and insensitive.
“Please understand that although it is no excuse, I was completely unaware that in Australia there is a polarizing social issue happening right now involving indigenous people and alcohol.
“When I was made aware of it, the ground fell out beneath me, and I realized that people may now see me as the exact opposite of who I am.
“I’m sitting here in my hotel room completely gutted that a joke that I made was much more relevant to the times in Australia than I realized.
“I know that words are just words, but to those I offended, I deeply, DEEPLY apologize!
“Everyone who knows me is aware that for the past 20 years I have been a fervent supporter of civil rights, so I am incredibly embarrassed by my ignorance.
“ I feel like a fool and apologize to all Australians”.
After the show in Melbourne tonight while backstage with some of my Australian friends, it was brought to my attention…
Posted by Rob Thomas on Saturday, 20 February 2016
The unfortunate thing with this incident was that with the exception of a technical hick-up the show was exactly what the fans were after. Something old, something new, something borrowed (David Bowie ‘Let’s Dance) and a few old Matchbox Twenty favourites, including an impromptu acoustic ‘Bent’ to fill the technical issues gap where regrettably the racial slur occurred as well.
I’ve said all I need to say on the incident here:
Rob Thomas Insults Indigenous Australians And Owes Australia An Apology
The Thomas ‘foot in mouth’ moment came at the start of his Australian tour.
Rob Thomas remaining dates
February 22, Canberra, Royal Theatre
February 24, Sydney, Opera House
February 26, Sydney, State Theatre
February 27, Pokolbin, Hope Estate
February 28, Brisbane, Sirromet Wines
March 2, Perth, Kings Park & Botanic Garden
March 5, Yarra Valley, Rochford Wines
March 6, Adelaide, Clipsal 500
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