Roger Waters, the co-founder and former lyricist of the renowned rock band Pink Floyd, faced significant backlash after his recent appearance at a Berlin concert. During the performance held at Germany's Mercedes-Benz Arena on May 17, Waters stirred controversy by donning an SS uniform.
Local journalists reported that a screen displayed the following message: "The show will start in 10 minutes, and a court in Frankfurt has ruled that I am not an antisemite. Just to be clear, I condemn antisemitism unreservedly." However, despite this statement, the evening featured a series of offensive and antisemitic visuals.
One of the most striking moments occurred after the concert's intermission when Waters took the stage adorned in an SS officer uniform, complete with a red armband and a simulated rifle. Behind him, an inflatable pig floated above the crowd, bearing banners reminiscent of the Third Reich, adorned with crossed hammers instead of swastikas.
Roger Waters has faced previous criticism and condemnation for what many perceive as antisemitic remarks and actions targeting Israel and Judaism. In 2013, he engaged in a similar stunt by wearing a Nazi armband, brandishing a simulated machine gun, and incorporating a pig-shaped balloon featuring symbols associated with dictatorial regimes alongside the Star of David. His conduct drew condemnation from Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, in 2016.
