Guy Sebastian has spoken out after being ‘cancelled’ by Twitter mobs for appearing alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison when he announced his $250million arts package at a press conference on Thursday.
Speaking on the Today show on Friday, the 38-year-old Voice coach said he had ‘no idea’ why some people were so outraged.
‘It was a big day yesterday… Bigger then I thought,’ he said with a laugh, after being asked about the social media backlash.
What’s the big deal? Guy Sebastian (left) has spoken out after being ‘cancelled’ by Twitter mobs for appearing alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) when he announced his $250million arts package at a press conference on Thursday
‘I wasn’t prepared for it. People [were] cancelling me apparently. I have no idea why,’ the Battle Scars singer added.
When asked by Today host Allison Langdon why he thought people were so upset, he reiterated that couldn’t understand it.
‘Look, I really have no idea. I’ve never been involved in politics,’ he said.
It comes after viewers were surprised to see Guy standing next to Morrison when he announced a $250million arts package to help revive the entertainment industry on Thursday.
‘I wasn’t prepared for it’: Speaking on the Today show on Friday, the 38-year-old Voice coach said he had ‘no idea’ why some people were so outraged
Twitter went into a frenzy following his appearance, with many criticising Guy for speaking at the meeting, claiming he doesn’t represent ‘struggling artists’.
‘I’m so bloody disappointed in Guy Sebastian right now. I’ve loved Guy and his music for a long time, my heart just broke a little watching that presser,’ one tweeted.
Another wrote: ‘A notably *not* struggling artist who clearly understands what artists have been going through during COVID-19.’
‘Turned it off, couldn’t stand the smug look on Morrison’s face while being praised by Sebastian,’ one person commented.
Another said: ‘Why is Guy Sebastian standing about in political statements like a fool behind Scotty? Was unaware he was such a supporter of the LNP.’
Speech: Guy attended the conference and thanked Morrison after he announced the news
‘That’s it, I’m never buying another Guy Sebastian album or going to his concert,’ one critic wrote.
‘Guy Sebastian just got political… He’s sold-out his arts sector colleagues by publicly supporting the PM – a bloody stupid move,’ another person commented.
While some people criticised Guy for supporting the announcement, others praised him for standing up for his industry amid challenging times.
‘Guy Sebastian holds his own opinions on government decisions and people are yet to ask his reasoning before attacking him,’ one supporter wrote.
‘I’m so bloody disappointed!’ Viewers are criticising the Australian singer for speaking at Scott Morrison’s funding announcement, claiming he doesn’t represent ‘struggling artists’
Another said: ‘Imagine cancelling Guy Sebastian because of his own political views which every person in Australia is entitled to have. You guys are so f**king petty.’
‘How pathetic that Guy Sebastian is being hammered by trolls. He is a great Aussie. Compassionate, successful, fair dinkum. They would hate that,’ another wrote.
In a statement, Guy defended his appearance at the funding announcement, saying: ‘My attendance today at the press conference was to provide perspective of the deep seeded economic hardship that has crippled the entertainment industry due to the COVID pandemic.
‘The whole industry from tech crew to musicians and all those that consult to the entertainment community are in serious need of stimulus.’
‘The objective of my involvement today, is to support my colleagues and industry at large. I am a musician not a politician.’
‘You guys are so petty!’ While some people criticised Guy for supporting the announcement, others praised him for standing up for his industry amid challenging times
Funding: Scott Morrison announced the $250million boost for Australia’s struggling creative sector to help embattled industries rebuild after the coronavirus crisis on Thursday
Morrison announced at the press conference a $250million boost for Australia’s struggling creative sector to help embattled industries rebuild after the coronavirus crisis.
More than 645,000 Australians are employed in the $112billion creative economy, and JobMaker will see a range of new grant and loan programs rolled out over the next 12 months.
The package includes $75million to get music festivals, concerts and tours back underway as social distancing measures start to ease across Australia.
The entertainment industry was among the first sectors to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic after public gatherings were banned in March.
Entertainment industry: The package includes $75million to get music festivals, concerts and tours back underway as social distancing measures start to ease across Australia
Impacted: The entertainment industry was among the first sectors to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic after public gatherings were banned in March
‘This package is as much about supporting the tradies who build stage sets or computer specialists who create the latest special effects, as it is about supporting actors and performers in major productions,’ Mr Morrison said.
‘These measures will support a broad range of jobs from performers, artists and roadies, to front of house staff and many who work behind the scenes, while assisting related parts of the broader economy, such as tourism and hospitality,’he added.
During the announcement, Mr Morrison also said Guy ‘likes to sing’ but he also ‘loves to create jobs’.
Who knew they were friends? During the announcement, Morrison also said Guy ‘likes to sing’ but he also ‘loves to create jobs’