'I feel like a fool': Rob Thomas apologises for 'offensive' and 'racist' comments about Aboriginal Australians during Melbourne show after being slammed online
- Made comments during show in Melbourne on Saturday night
- Said 'I drink til I think I'm Australian. And then I keep drinking til I think I'm a black Australian.'
- Stated that he was 'completely unaware' of 'polarising social issue of involving indigenous people and alcohol'
Matchbox 20 front man Rob Thomas has been slammed by fans after making a racist joke about Aboriginal Australians during a solo gig in Melbourne on Saturday night.
Mid-way through the performance, which took place at the Rod Laver Arena, the 44-year-old offered a racially insensitive quip about the way in which he deals with long-haul flights, saying: 'I drink til I think I'm Australian. And then I keep drinking til I think I'm a black Australian.'
In footage obtained by TMZ depicting the incident, the audience can be heard groaning and booing in response to Rob's remarks.
'I drink til I think I'm Australian. And then I keep drinking til I think I'm a black Australian': Matchbox 20 front man Rob Thomas has been slammed by fans after making a racist joke about Aboriginal Australians during a solo gig in Melbourne on Saturday night
Several hours after the live show, Rob took to Facebook to with a heartfelt apology, writing: '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'.
He went on: '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'.
In bad taste: Mid-way through the performance, which took place at the Rod Laver Arena, the 44-year-old offered a racially insensitive quip about the way in which he deals with long-haul flights
'I feel like a fool': Several hours after the live show, Rob took to Facebook to with a heartfelt apology
'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'.
Loyal fans were quick to post supportive messages in light of the singer's gushing apology, with one writing on Twitter: 'Can we note that the comment made by Rob Thomas was made during lengthy technical difficulties and he was under a lot of pressure.'
'At the time I thought 'woah! Not cool' but he stressed and just tried [sic] to keep talking. He has apologized- that's all we can ask,' the fan added.
'I am incredibly embarrassed by my ignorance': Rob has had a relationship with the Australian music industry for 20 years
'He was under a lot of pressure': Loyal fans were quick to post supportive messages in light of the singer's gushing apology
However, for many fans, the damage had already been done and many took to social media to air their grievances.
'Urgh all the people in #RobThomas's apology comforting & going "there there". I bet he'd never "joke" similar re: Native Americans #noexcuse', grumbled one fan on Twitter.
Another Tweeted: 'Too far Rob Thomas! Stick to singing, you douche. #proudtobeanaboriginalaustralian'.
Rob arrived in Melbourne earlier this month ahead of the Australian leg of his The Great Unknown world tour.
Too little, too late: For many fans, the damage had already been done and many took to social media to air their grievances
Too far: one fan suggested to Rob that he focus on singing rather than joke-making
Touring: Rob arrived in Melbourne earlier this month ahead of the Australian leg of his The Great Unknown world tour
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