Roger Waters Rebukes Film “Dark Side Of Roger Waters”

Roger Waters recently criticized a new documentary called The Dark Side of Roger Waters, which delves into his history regarding allegations of antisemitism. The film was released online by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).

Waters described the documentary as “a flimsy, unapologetic piece of propaganda that indiscriminately mixes things I’m alleged to have said or done . . . in an effort to portray me as an antisemite, without any foundation in fact.”

He expressed his concerns on his official website last Friday (September 29). He explained that the CAA had contacted him earlier in the month, asking him to respond to questions about incidents dating back to 2002 and 2010. Initially, he had chosen not to respond, but he decided to address the accusations now that they are circulating.

Throughout his career, Waters has used his platform to support causes related to Universal Human Rights, advocating for justice and equality worldwide, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or nationality. He clarified that his activism against the Israeli government’s policies in Palestine is not equivalent to antisemitism, and those who equate the two do a disservice to the cause.

Waters also highlighted concerns about the CAA, suggesting that the organization’s questions were not posed in good faith and that it has faced scrutiny following complaints to the Charity Commission. He emphasized that he has worked closely with Jewish individuals over the years and does not consider himself an anti-Semite.

Roger Waters and CAA Clash

According to Waters, the documentary distorts his views on the Israeli state and Zionism, relying on a definition of antisemitism that conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Waters believes that this perspective is contested by many, including Jewish individuals. He argued that the film manipulates footage and quotations to advance its agenda.

His most recent assertions have received no response as of the time of this writing from the filmmakers or CAA as a whole.

On the other hand, on September 29, the CAA’s official Facebook page declared that they had “written to the venue and organizer” of Waters’ upcoming performances at the London Palladium (on October 8 and 9), “calling on them to cancel the performances,” and that they would also be “taking action outside the @LondonPalladium.” Details to follow soon.

New Documentary Adds Fuel to Antisemitism Allegations

The documentary The Dark Side of Roger Waters includes statements from colleagues and associates supporting allegations of antisemitism against Waters. These allegations are not new, as they have been publicly discussed in the past.

For instance, in February 2023, Polly Samson, the wife of Pink Floyd guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour, accused Waters of being anti-Semitic. Gilmour later endorsed her statement. Waters’ concert in Germany was canceled due to similar allegations, but he successfully contested the decision in court.

In May 2023, German officials investigated Waters for wearing his famous “In the Flesh?” costume during a performance in Berlin, as it violated laws against recreating Nazi imagery. The U.S. State Department also weighed in, condemning the imagery used in one of his concerts as offensive to Jewish people and minimizing the Holocaust.

All of these incidents are explored in The Dark Side of Roger Waters, a 37-minute documentary that viewers can watch to form their own opinions.