Matchbox 20 frontman and successful solo artist Rob Thomas has come under fire for an alleged racist remark made while stalling during a technical difficulty at his Melbourne concert at Rod Laver Arena.
The 90’s star was telling the audience about coping with jet-lag, and attempted to put some humour in the story to make up for the concert’s delay:
“I’ve been doing it for so long, I’ve got the jet lag figured out. What you do is, when you get on the plane on your way here, you start drinking. And then I drink until I think I’m Australian,” he said, eliciting cheers from the audience, “and I keep drinking until I think I’m a black Australian.”
The last part of the statement was met predominantly with boos from the audience, but Thomas appeared unaware. It was only backstage, talking to some Australia friends, that the gravity of the situation hit him. On his Facebook page, Thomas released an emphatic apology:
“After the show in Melbourne tonight while backstage with some of my Australian friends, it was brought to my attention that I said something that is racist and insensitive.
Please understand that although it is no excuse, I was completely unaware that in Australia there is a polarizing social issue happening right now involving indigenous people and alcohol.
When I was made aware of it, the ground fell out beneath me, and I realized that people may now see me as the exact opposite of who I am.
I’m sitting here in my hotel room completely gutted that a joke that I made was much more relevant to the times in Australia than I realized.
I know that words are just words, but to those I offended, I deeply, DEEPLY apologize!
Everyone who knows me is aware that for the past 20 years I have been a fervent supporter of civil rights, so I am incredibly embarrassed by my ignorance.
I feel like a fool and apologize to all Australians”
The apology received a mixed response. Some questioned the overall appropriateness of a race joke, asking if there was ever a right time or place to make one:
“Bloody hell, Rob Thomas. You don’t have to study Australian racism to know that that ‘joke’ was racist.”
— Joshy20(1)6 (@Joshy206) February 21, 2016
While others simply expressed disappointment in the singer’s ignorance, and a hope that he will educate himself about Australian indigenous culture. Thomas’ fellow Matchbox 20 band mates came to his defence, with drummer Paul Doucette saying
“I can 100% assure you that @ThisIsRobThomas is not racist in any way & that no harm was meant. I can also assure you that he is devastated.”
Most appear to have accepted the apology, with one person commenting “Thank you for listening, and for being honest, remorseful and open to learning.”
Thomas is set to play again tonight, in Canberra.
