Bono gives Nazi salute to mock far-right Swedish politicians
U2 front man causes controversy after doing the far-right gesture - but it wasn't as a tribute to Adolf Hitler
Bono was seen giving a Nazi salute in concert — but not as a tribute to Hitler.
The U2 frontman made the salute at a show in Paris on Sunday to mock a far-right Swedish political party.
The Local Sweden reported he made the gesture twice, each time yelling “Akesson!” Jimmie Akesson is the head of the Sweden Democrats, a formerly white nationalist party with roots in neo-Nazism that is now focused on reducing immigration.
The Sweden Democrats gained ground in Swedish elections on Sunday, increasing their share of the public’s vote from 12.9 percent last year to 17.6 percent, its highest tally ever. That result mirrors the rise of far-right parties in other Western European countries, such as Austria, Germany and France, over the past few years.
Bono, in character as Mister Macphisto, a devilish alter ego he originally developed for the band’s 1992-93 Zoo TV tour, said “I’m just back from Sweden, I didn’t know how much I liked the Swedish. Tall, blonde, blue-eyed … boring.”
“But now it seems the Swedes are beginning to discover their Aryan potential,” he continued.
Watch Bono’s stunt in full here.
LISTEN to this week’s episode of the Jewish Views Podcast!
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.
