US singer Rob Thomas has apologised for making a racist remark about Indigenous Australians overnight in front of thousands of fans.
In front of fans in Melbourne last night at Rod Laver Arena, Thomas, who is known for major hits with band Matchbox 20 and as a solo artist, told fans: “When you get on the plane, on your way here, you start drinking. I keep drinking until I think I’m Australian. And then I keep drinking until I think I’m a black Australian.”
The Herald Sun reported the comment, which was in reference to dealing with jet lag was met with boos and the odd cheer from the audience.
The singer whose late 90s hits included 3am, Push, Real World and Smooth with Santana, later took to Twitter and Facebook to apologise by claiming he did not previously think the comment was racist till after the reaction from fans.
“Please understand that although it is no excuse, I was completely unaware that in Australia there is a polarising social issue happening right now involving indigenous people and alcohol," he wrote in a Facebook post.
“When I was made aware of it, the ground fell out beneath me, and I realised that people may now see me as the exact opposite of who I am.
“I’m sitting here in my hotel room completely gutted that a joke that I made was much more relevant to the times in Australia than I realised.
“I know that words are just words, but to those I offended, I deeply, DEEPLY apologise!
“Everyone who knows me is aware that for the past 20 years I have been a fervent supporter of civil rights, so I am incredibly embarrassed by my ignorance.
“I feel like a fool and apologise to all Australians.”
Thomas is due to play at the Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 on Sunday, March 6.
