Morrissey sparked controversy by sporting an anti-Islam pin while appearing on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Monday.
The former Smiths frontman sparked fierce backlash against both himself and the late night host as he was performing his cover of Jobriath’s ‘Morning Starship’ – for his album ‘California Son’.
For Britain is an anti-Islam group that was started in 2017 and led by far-right politician Anne Marie Waters. Their website calls for an ‘end of Islamisation of the UK’ and Waters has described Islam ‘evil’ in previous interviews.
Morrissey was sporting an anti-Islam pin from the group For Britain while appearing on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Monday
In an interview with Tremr in 2018, the 59-year-old singer shared that the party gave him ‘hope.’
‘I find the Tory-Labour-Tory-Labour constant switching to be pointless,’ he said. ‘For Britain has received no media support and have even been dismissed with the usual childish ‘racist’ accusation. I don’t think the word ‘racist’ has any meaning any more, other than to say “you don’t agree with me, so you’re a racist.” People can be utterly, utterly stupid.
For Britain is an anti-Islam group that was started in 2017 and led by far-right politician Anne Marie Waters
‘Anne Marie Waters seeks open discussion about all aspects of modern Britain, whereas other parties will not allow diverse opinion. She is like a humane version of Thatcher … if such a concept could be.
‘She is absolute leadership, she doesn’t read from a script, she believes in British heritage, freedom of speech, and she wants everyone in the UK to live under the same law. I find this compelling, now, because it’s very obvious that Labour or the Tories do not believe in free speech… I mean, look at the shocking treatment of Tommy Robinson.’
On their website, For Britain has an entire page dedicated to Morrissey’s support of the group. The page feature images of the singer wearing the pin at other occasions. The group also proudly boasts of the musician’s support on their social media.
Their website calls for an ‘end of Islamisation of the UK’ and Waters (center) has described Islam ‘ evil ‘ in previous interviews
On their website, For Britain has an entire page dedicated to Morrissey’s support of the group. The group also proudly boasts of the musician’s support on their social media
‘Morrissey is known for his fantastic music, but also for his politics,’ they state on the page. ‘He unashamedly stands up for Britain, our culture and heritage, and our working people – the backbone of our nation. He is also passionate about animal welfare so it should come as no surprise that he has thrown his weight behind our party.’
Many on social media Many compared the moment to when Fallon (pictured) tussled Donald Trump’s hair during the 2016 presidential campaign
On Twitter, users dragged the musician for his shady politics but also blasted Fallon for having another ‘right-wing’ fanatic on his show. Many compared the moment to when the host tussled Donald Trump’s hair during the 2016 presidential campaign.
NBC could not be reached for a comment.
Yahia Lababidi, an author, stated: ‘Shame on Morrissey for courting racism. Fallon don’t give a platform to hate, please.’
The sentiment was shared by another user, who added: ‘Fallon loves having his right-wing mates on doesn’t he? Morrissey will be performing in a Screwdriver tshirt next.’
One user posted a gif of Fallon playing in Donald Trump’s hair.
‘Lotta people rightfully talking about how much Morrissey sucks but more people should also talk about how much Jimmy Fallon sucks,’ stated a different user.
On Twitter, users dragged the musician for his shady politics but also blasted Fallon for having another ‘right-wing’ fanatic on his show
One user posted a gif of Fallon playing in Donald Trump’s hair
But most of the fury seemed directed at Morrissey.
‘The Smiths are my favorite band ever and Morrissey’s solo work is up there, and it’s time for me to toss my Bona Drag CD on a bonfire,’ asserted Daniel O’Sullivan. ‘Can’t support this guy in any way.’
Gerry Hassan declared: ‘Morrissey has committed career suicide. You cant be the voice of the loner & sensitive outsider & support a far right racist micro-party such as For Britain. He has destroyed his raison d’etre & needs to understand that what he stands for is unacceptable.’
Another user posted a meme sharing how the singer ruined their enjoyment of Smiths’ music.
Morrissey will release his new covers album California Son on May 24.
But most of the fury seemed directed at Morrissey
