Pink Floyd star Roger Waters says he was opposing "fascism, injustice and bigotry" when he posed firing an imitation machine gun whereas sporting a Nazi-inspired uniform at a live performance in Berlin.

Police in Germany have launched an investigation after the British musician was filmed sporting an extended black coat and pink armband - that includes crossed hammers as an alternative of swastikas - as he pretended to shoot the pretend weapon throughout a skit between songs.

Germany has strict guidelines in opposition to using Nazi imagery - punishable by as much as three years in jail - though its legal guidelines do permit exceptions for creative or academic causes.

Video clips and photographs of the present, on the German capital's Mercedes-Benz Arena on 17 May, have sparked outrage.

Another picture of the live performance exhibits the identify of Holocaust sufferer Anne Frank in massive letters as a backdrop.

In an announcement, Waters stated the efficiency had "attracted bad faith attacks from those who want to smear and silence me because they disagree with my political views and moral principles."

"The elements of my performance that have been questioned are quite clearly a statement in opposition to fascism, injustice, and bigotry in all its forms," he added.

"Attempts to portray those elements as something else are disingenuous and politically motivated."

Water stated the depiction of an "unhinged fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyd's The Wall in 1980".

He added: "I have spent my entire life speaking out against authoritarianism and oppression wherever I see it.

"When I used to be a baby after the battle, the identify of Anne Frank was usually spoken in our home, she grew to become a everlasting reminder of what occurs when fascism is left unchecked.

"My parents fought the Nazis in World War II, with my father paying the ultimate price.

"Regardless of the implications of the assaults in opposition to me, I'll proceed to sentence injustice and all those that perpetrate it."

Content Source: information.sky.com