Unhappy Germany: Petition against Xavier Naidoo’s participation

As previously reported, Xavier Naidoo was selected internally to represent Germany at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, Sweden. It’s been less than 24 hours since the announcement was made and the Internet is already going crazy over this for different reasons.

As it turns out, there seems to be a good amount of discontent with the decision. In the past, Naidoo made political statements that were deemed controversial by many and some have pointed out that having someone with such drastic and polarizing views represent their country, could be counter-productive and potentially damaging.

For that reason, a Petition was started, asking the broadcaster to reevaluate their decision and refrain from sending Xavier Naidoo to Stockholm. The petition which you can view by clicking on THIS LINK has already received over 10,000 signatures and is expected to go up.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the things the 44-year-old singer has said in the past to bring context to the story.

1. Naidoo defended his performance for the “Reichsburger” movement. According to Wikipedia, it is a label for multiple groups and individuals in Germany and abroad who assert that the German Reich continues to exist not in the shape of the present-day Federal Republic of Germany, but in its pre-World War II borders, and that it is governed by a Kommissarische Reichsregierung (KRR, Provisional Imperial Government). He claimed that Germany is not a free country and monitored by the United States of America. Source
2. The Hidden Track “Wo sind” has been criticized by many including party leader Josi Michalke. She filed a criminal complaint as the the song allegedly equates homosexuality to pedophilia and is a call to mayhem. Here are the lyrics that stirred the pot:
   “I’ll cut you all in the arms and legs and fuck you in the ass just like you do to the little ones. I am only sorry, not mad. Nonetheless I would kill you all. You all kill kids and fetuses and I will squash your balls. You all simply have no length and your small dicks aren’t in hand. Why do you not like pussy? Because everyone comes out of one.”
   Naidoo denied any wrong-doing saying the song is about Ritual murder and has nothing to do with homosexuality. He recently came out in support of same-sex marriage in Germany.  Source
3. He is open about his believes that the September 11 attacks was an inside job. Individuals believing in those conspiracy theories are referred to as the 9/11 Truth Movement. Nadioo is blaming the Rothschild Family, a wealthy Jewish Family. Source
4. For that reason, he has been accused of Anti-Semitism. Some of his lyrics were also interpreted that way, you can read more about it HERE.

Eurovision.de Blogger Jan Feddersen said that they were aware that their decision would be controversial but stand behind the internal selection.

Xavier Naidoo already released an official statement and said that he strongly believes in Freedom of Speech and thinks it is unfortunate that people who don’t know him are judging him based on a few statements without any substance. You can read his response HERE (in German).

What are your thoughts, do you support Xavier Naidoo or should he stay away from Eurovision? Join the convo on our Forum or post your comments here.