Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie says Madonna a ‘prostitute’ over Eurovision show
Frontman said Israel sits on "stolen land" and refused to acknowledge its right to exist, while insisting Madonna is performing as she is desperate for money and publicity.
Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie has called Madonna a “total prostitute” for performing at Eurovision.
Gillespie has strongly criticised the US singer for choosing to perform in Tel Aviv, saying her choice helps to “normalise the state of Israel”.
The frontman also said that the state sits on “stolen land”, and Madonna is performing because she is desperate for money and publicity.
Gillespie has said he is not antisemitic, and that all of his heroes are Jewish.
“Madonna would do anything for money"
– Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie on Madonna performing in Tel Aviv at Eurovision.
Madonna has said she will “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda" https://t.co/dIXMXIzVwU
MORE TONIGHT 22:30#newsnight #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/iRnpJk2TFE
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) May 17, 2019
Speaking to Kirsty Wark on Newsnight, Gillespie said: “Madonna would do anything for money, you know, she’s a total prostitute.
“And I’ve got nothing against prostitutes. The whole thing is set up to normalise the state of Israel, and its disgraceful treatment of the Palestinian people.
“By going to perform in Israel what you do is you normalise that.
“Primal Scream would never perform in Israel.
“I think Madonna is just desperate for publicity, desperate for the money.
He added: “They pay very, very well.”
Gillespie, asked whether he understood his comments being seen as antisemitic, said: “I’m not anti-Semitic at all. All my heroes are Jews. Karl Marx, Bob Dylan, The Marx Brothers.”
Representatives of Madonna have been contacted for comment.
Read more Eurovision coverage here:
- Jews Points! What to expect at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv
- Madonna signs contract to confirm she WILL perform at Eurovision in Tel Aviv!
- 5 things you (probably) never knew about Israel and Eurovision…!
Watch the full interview here:
Follow our all-singing, all-dancing songfest coverage from Expo Tel Aviv from 8pm, the world’s eyes turn to Israel for the biggest party on the planet!
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
