In a contentious and wide-ranging television interview, Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has launched a staunch defence of Venezuela's ousted President Nicolas Maduro and offered a contentious perspective on Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine.
Waters' Defence of Maduro and Condemnation of US
The heated exchange with broadcaster Piers Morgan occurred just two weeks after a significant geopolitical event. US forces seized Maduro and his wife from a heavily guarded compound in Caracas, transporting them to New York to face trial on drug trafficking charges. Waters vehemently contested this action, framing it as an unlawful intervention.
"I support him because he's the duly democratically elected leader," Waters stated, aligning Maduro with the socialist, Bolivarian principles of the late Hugo Chávez. He accused the United States of fabricating allegations against the Venezuelan leader, calling the drug dealer claims "absolute, arrant nonsense." The musician condemned what he labelled an invasion of a sovereign nation, arguing the US had "kidnapped" Maduro.
Controversial Comments on Putin and Ukraine
The interview took an even more controversial turn when discussion shifted to the war in Ukraine. Waters appeared to defend certain aspects of Putin's conduct, suggesting the Russian leader had "really tried not to hurt civilians" during the ongoing conflict. He warned the West to be careful what they wished for regarding Putin's removal, positing that a "much harder line faction" in Russia could assume power.
A visibly baffled Morgan challenged this characterisation directly. "Vladimir Putin illegally invaded a sovereign democratic country and started bombing the sh*t out of it. Why? Why would you, on any level, try to excuse or defend it?" the host retorted, highlighting the stark divergence in their viewpoints.
Broadsides Against Trump, UK Politics, and Ozzy Osbourne
Waters did not limit his criticism to US foreign policy. He launched a scathing personal attack on former President Donald Trump, labelling him "demented," "obviously very evil," and a "scumbag" who was only interested in enriching his inner circle. Closer to home, he controversially described England as a "fascist state," referencing recent legislation that designated a specific activist group as a terrorist organisation.
The conversation also turned deeply personal when Morgan questioned Waters about harsh comments the musician made about the late Ozzy Osbourne shortly after the rock icon's death. Waters dismissed the line of questioning, telling Morgan to "shut up" and referring to Osbourne's widow, Sharon, as "a raging Zionist" and part of "the Israeli lobby." While he offered a conditional apology for any hurt caused, he reiterated his distaste for Osbourne's stage antics, including the infamous bat incident.
This explosive interview showcases Waters' unwavering and often polarising political stance, placing him firmly at the centre of several international debates and ensuring his comments will provoke strong reactions from audiences on all sides.
