Metal Anarchy

Back in 2015, Eagles Of Death Metal were playing at Le Bataclan in Paris, France when the venue was attacked by terrorists. After surviving the tragedy, frontman Jesse Hughes generated controversy after claiming Muslim security staff were involved in the incident and that Muslims were celebrating outside the building. Now, during an appearance on The Bad Decisions Podcast, Hughes reflected on those comments, partially attributing them to trauma.

Hughes said the following when asked about people misinterpreting the way he processed the attack:

“Well, they weren’t there. That’s one thing. But also you have to consider that I was traumatized. I was deeply traumatized, and I was very, very protective of everyone that had been there. So I wouldn’t say that I don’t believe the things that I said at the time, but I would definitely say that today I probably wouldn’t say them because it’s just not necessary.

The truth is that I’ve always looked at it like I’m a rock and roller. I don’t care who you vote for — check your politics at the door, and everyone gets to come here and shake their dick and have a good time. For whatever reason, the circumstances of my life made it so that for a moment I didn’t have that luxury anymore.

Let me just put it this way: the amount of people that crawled out of the woodwork to manipulate me and use my tragedy to their benefit was endless, and it disgusted me on both sides of the aisle.”

He went on to discuss his political views:

“Sometimes people will say I’m a Trump supporter. That is just not true. I’ve never, ever, ever one time in the press ever endorsed or said that I support the man. I’ve just said things that have been controversial that you could attribute maybe to one side or another. But I have a different perspective. And I still believe the things I believe, but I was able to return to a place where — check your politics at the door.

Elvis [Presley] said it best. I’m an entertainer and it’s nobody’s business what I vote for, ’cause I ain’t here to tell you who to vote for.”

He also added the following after the interviewer voiced support for gun ownership and gay marriage:

“Dude, our first album is literally the transgender flag. I don’t think anyone realizes that. I grew up in Palm Springs. Nobody is more supportive of the gay community than I am, dude. But when everyone’s all worked up and everyone’s angry and everyone’s too busy hating, it’s difficult to see the nuances.”

[via Blabbermouth]