John Lydon Denies Bloc Party Racist Attack
Published Tuesday, 22nd July, 2008 at 9:33 AM
John Lydon has claimed Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke is lying, when he says the two were involved in a fight at weekend over an alleged "racist attack".
News of the scuffle first emerged via Foals singer Yannis Philippakis at the Latitude Festival on Sunday (July 20th), which Okerere later confirmed yesterday (21st).
According to Kele, he was told by Lydon's entourage "Your problem is your black attitude", after he approached the Sex Pistols star to ask if he would ever reform his other band PiL (Public Image Limited).
Okereke is said to have suffered facial bruising, cuts to his face and body, as well as a split lip.
However, Lydon has now disputed the allegations, saying that the Bloc Party vocalist needs to "grow up and be a true man".
"I feel very sorry for a man who needs to lie about what was a perfect evening." Says John in a statement. "The trouble was brought to us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security."
"When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow. If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into", concluded the punk legend.
