Criticism of planned concerts by Xavier Naidoo

Cologne. Because he has spread conspiracy theories for years, two planned comeback concerts by singer Xavier Naidoo in Cologne are causing controversy. The Jewish-German association "Werteinitiative" is demanding that the concerts be canceled. They signal indifference to anti-Semitic hate speech, according to an open letter to the organizers.

However, the responsible company, "Live Nation," stated in response to a request from the Catholic News Agency (KNA) on Thursday that Naidoo had already apologized for past statements in April 2022. "There is no serious reason to deny him a second chance."

In the past, Naidoo had advocated theories of the right-wing extremist QAnon ideology, sympathized with the Reich Citizens, made conspiracy-ideological and anti-Semitic statements, including Holocaust denial, and appeared with the "Querdenker" (lateral thinkers). He hasn't appeared on stage since 2019.

Concerts are now planned for December 16 and 17 at Cologne's Lanxess Arena. The musician has since clearly distanced himself from false views and right-wing conspiratorial groups, according to the organizers.

Conspiracy theories, scandals, controversies – things had been quiet around Xavier Naidoo recently. The musician avoided the public stage – until he appeared on comedian Oliver Pocher's "Liebeskasper" tour this weekend. A look at Naidoo's scandals and controversies, which began 25 years ago.

"Anyone who spreads Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic myths should not be allowed a stage in Germany," writes the Values ​​Initiative association. It also criticized the organizers and the arena for allowing musician Roger Waters to perform in May 2023, even though he had been criticized for his anti-Semitic symbolism and support of the anti-Israel BDS movement.

North Rhine-Westphalia's anti-Semitism commissioner, Sylvia Löhrmann, stated in response to an inquiry by KNA: "If the performances are to be continued, I expect the organizers to live up to their responsibility and intervene immediately if the stage is used to spread conspiracy theories and open anti-Semitism." She described Naidoo's past statements as intolerable.

RND/KNA