German police have launched a probe into Roger Waters’ actions (Picture: Frank Hoensch/Redferns)
German police have launched an investigation into Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters after he sparked outrage by dressing as a Nazi SS officer on stage in Berlin.
The rockstar, 79, took to the stage last week, wearing a costume featuring crossed hammer imagery, the same worn by the fictitious neo-Nazi organisation in the 1982 film Pink Floyd: The Wall.
He also grabbed a ‘rifle’ and pretended to shoot it out to the crowd.
While all of this was happening, Waters displayed the names of Holocaust victim Anne Frank and Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist who was fatally shot last year, on the screens.
Meanwhile, an inflatable pig hung above the sea of people, with the logo of an Israeli armaments firm and Jewish stars.
Following claims that Waters should be banned from the country, German police have spoken out.
An investigation will look into possible ‘incitement’ ater his show in Berlin (Picture: Frank Hoensch/Redferns)
Fans were shocked as Waters appeared on stage dressed as a Nazi SS officer (Picture: TikTok)
Police chief inspector Martin Helwig was quoted by Jewish News as saying that ‘the State Security Department at the Berlin State Criminal Police Office has initiated a criminal investigation procedure regarding the suspicion of incitement’ during the show.
‘The context of the clothing worn is deemed capable of approving, glorifying or justifying the violent and arbitrary rule of the Nazi regime in a manner that violates the dignity of the victims and thereby disrupts public peace,’ he reportedly added.
‘After the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal assessment.’
Despite the criticism and now police investigation, Waters maintains that he is not Antisemitic.
He also showed Holocause victim Anne Frank’s name on the screen
As per MailOnline, he started his performance with an announcement on the screen.
‘On a matter of public interest: a court in Frankfurt has ruled I am not an Antisemite,’ it read.
‘Just to be clear, I condemn Antisemitism unreservedly.’
However, this didn’t stop Twitter users from calling him out after footage emerged from the show.
Several were baffled that the events took place in Germany, while others called it ‘disturbing’ and ‘horrific’.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, an MP has called for a ban on Rogers performing in Manchester amid fears his ‘divisive actions’ could fuel anti-Jewish hatred.
An MP has also called for Waters to have his Manchester gig axed (Picture: Roberto Serra – Iguana Press/Getty Images)
Politician Christian Wakeford told the House of Commons that he has concerns over Waters’ gig at the AO Arena in Manchester on June 10, saying it should not go ahead.
The MP for Bury South said during business questions: ‘The city of Manchester has a rich and vibrant history in which those of different faiths and backgrounds have lived together as well as stood together through difficult times and times of division.
‘So I’m concerned to note that Roger Waters is due to play at the AO Arena in Manchester next month.
‘Mr Waters performed in Berlin this week and used the name of Anne Frank to stoke division, performed whilst dressed as an SS soldier and used the Star of David on a giant pig to insinuate that Jewish people run the world.
‘The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester has issued a statement condemning his divisive actions.
‘Will the Leader of the House agree with me that concerts like this have no place in our society and shouldn’t go ahead, and agree to a debate in Government time on the record levels in anti-Jewish hatred in this country?’
In response, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied that ‘the whole House was very shocked’ by what was said.
More: Trending
‘I shall make certain that the Home Office has heard (Wakeford’s) concerns today and I think that this House has made great efforts, particularly in recent years, to ensure that the scourge of antisemitism is addressed and stamped out from our country,’ she said.
‘I shall certainly make sure that all relevant departments have heard (Wakeford’s) concerns today.’
Reps for Roger Waters have been contacted for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Recently divorced Noel Gallagher, 55, jokes his mum is the ‘only one’ who acknowledges his birthday
MORE : Gary Lineker: I was always very relaxed during Match Of The Day suspension drama
A Manchester MP has also called for his show to be cancelled next month.
