Northampton rapper Slowthai apologised after wearing a Vivienne Westwood t-shirt featuring the words “destroy” over a Nazi swastika. The artist acknowledged that it caused confusion among fans at Montreal’s Oshega Festival but defended his choice to wear the tee.
“I’m sorry to anyone who is offended by me wearing an anti-fascist/anti-regime t-shirt and the use of the symbol it represents. I want you to know I stand firmly against antisemitism and fascism of any kind, something the t-shirt was meant to illustrate with the word ‘destroy’ above the symbol,” Slowthai wrote in a tweet.
The festival also tweeted: “A performer appeared on stage [on] Saturday wearing a controversial t-shirt displaying a swastika that caused confusion. The t-shirt denounces the regime. We sincerely apologise to anyone who may have misinterpreted this message and felt hurt.”
Fans of Slowthai were quick to point out that Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols and Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger had both donned a similar shirt to the one worn by the rapper. However, others online weren’t impressed with his antics.
“Unbelievable that @osheaga seems to think that it’s ok for Tyron Frampton (Slowthai) to wear a tshirt with the Nazi swastika during his show. Under this symbol, millions of Jews were persecuted, shot, burned alive, raped, gassed, tortured, eliminated, exterminated,” wrote one Twitter user.
“@osheaga horrifying to see a swastika on @slowthai while he performs at your festival. #osheaga2022 #osheaga,” wrote another.
