Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has issued a statement via social media denouncing the people who use of his voice and lyrics at rallies.
While he didn't name any group in particular, it is widely assumed he was referring to parts of the Reclaim Australia movement which held rallies on the weekend. Reclaim Australia's stated mission on their Facebook Page is "We as patriotic Australians need to stand together to stop halal tax, sharia law & islamisation."
Barnes' post on his official Facebook Page read"
It has come to my attention that certain groups of people have been using my voice, my songs as their anthems at rallies.
I only want to say the Australia I belong to and love is a tolerant Australia. A place that is open and giving. It is a place that embraces all sorts of different people, in fact it is made stronger by the diversity of its people. If you look at my family you can see we are a multicultural family. Australia needs to stand up for Love and Tolerance in these modern times.
None of these people represent me and I do not support them.
Jimmy Barnes
Barnes played in Melbourne on Saturday and will complete his national 'Flesh and Wood' tour this weekend on the Gold Coast. I only want to say the Australia I belong to and love is a tolerant Australia. A place that is open and giving. It is a place that embraces all sorts of different people, in fact it is made stronger by the diversity of its people. If you look at my family you can see we are a multicultural family. Australia needs to stand up for Love and Tolerance in these modern times.
None of these people represent me and I do not support them.
Jimmy Barnes
