Guy Sebastian Apologises For Deleting Pro-Vax Post

 

CREDIT: 9news.com.au

Guy Sebastian has apologised after he posted a now-deleted message on social media that urged Australian's to get vaccinated.

He shared an Instagram video where he claimed the original post was published without his "direct involvement" and he said he was "really sorry."

"I would never, ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices."

He was referring to a post that promoted his involvement in the entertainment industry's #VaxTheNation campaign. This urges individuals to get vaccinated in order to bring back live shows.

He began the apology by saying he wanted to "clear something up." He was speaking directly to the camera.

CREDIT: ARIA Awards

"I'm sure some of you today would have seen an industry call-out with the best of intentions for our live music industry - which has been absolutely decimated - trying to find a pathway forward so that we call all assemble together again."

Certain music industry superstars including Jimmy Barnes, Amy Shark and the Hilltop Hoods have combined forces with major record labels, ticketing agencies and festival organisations for the #VaxTheNation campaign.

During the short video, Australians were called to help "stop the interruptions" to the entertainment industry, and end the lockdown cycles.

Guy has been promoted as one of the high-profile individuals behind the cause.

"While I, like everybody else in my industry, want thing to get going again, it is not my role to communicate in a way that that post was communicated. I would never, ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices."

"I'm very sensitive of it - not only on a public level, but even in my personal life, with people who have circumstances that they have to consider when making these choices."

Guy first rose to prominence as the first winner of Australian Idol in 2001.

"I just want to say I'm really sorry, it was not a post that communicated with the love or compassion which I feel is needed when it comes to addressing things like vaccinations. I just wanted to clarify that so I could speak my truth and people would know how I actually feel."

The video's comments were switched off.

Many seemed confused about the message, but in a statement Guy clarified his position again.

"There is no confusion, I made the personal decision to be double vaccinated. I support the music industry initiatives to revive our industry, however, I personally don't believe it is my place to deal in absolutes to tell people what to do in regards to their personal health choices. We need to remember to communicate with empathy and understanding. This has always been my goal."

He even called in to Ray Hadley's 2GB to try and clear the air but ended up in a tense on-air argument with the host. The host had earlier in the day told Guy to "get the splinters out of your arse; get off the fence."

He has also gained criticism from industry peers across social media. These people were allegedly left "disappointed" by Guy's backtracking on the campaign's message.

CREDIT: nineforbrands.com.au

"Some artists are expending a huge amount of their cultural capital challenging audiences to get vaxxed. So much respect. And then there's guy sebastian, one of our most successful artists, who sounds like he agrees with the science but is terrified of losing his anti-vax $." - Urthboy.

"To be honest, this is actually a really sad example of what happens when your career is dependent on trying to be all things to all people." - Ben Lee.

"This is disappointing @GuySebastian brother. You can be pro personal freedoms & promote the facts that vaccines are safe and effective nd our path out at the same time." - Nic Kelly.

"I too think this sucks. Guy seems like a nice person but for his God's sake, stand for something." - Germaldine Quinn.

"It is surprising. Sebastian is a very likable character, but here he seems to be apologising for a Get Vaxxed post put out under his name yesterday. In my view, nothing to apologise for. Nothing wrong with saying: "GET VAXXED, #FFS!" - Peter FitzSimons.

"For one of the least offensive and most powerful figures in our music industry, Guy Sebastian sure is having a DOOZEY of a year. Chin up babes." - Brendan Maclean.

"Man, any musicians apologising for trying to get back to work by advocating for a safer audience is self defeating. Unpack your spine ya goofballs." - Senator Briggs.

"Oooooof Guy Sebastian..." - Kids At Midnight.

"Angels brought him here guys, just remember that. But seriously, Guy trying to sit on the fence in a pandemic is a fun new move." - Joel Creasey.

"Shannon Noll would tell you to get a vaccine up ya." - Jordan Raskopoulos.

CREDIT: Don Arnold/Getty Images

A spokesperson for the #VaxTheNation campaign explained the organisation welcomes "open conversation."

"We all miss our loved ones - our friends, our family, and being able to gather again. We all want to get back to the magic of live events. #VaxTheNation is not a political campaign tied to any Government, and we welcome open conversation."

"The campaign is self-funded by the industry and the position of the LIVE Alliance (Live Industry Venues and Entertainment Alliance) is that high vaccination rates are the only way to get the show back on the road."

"We are encouraging people to seek professional health advice and make an informed choice."

Guy also received backlash last year after posing with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an upaid role to promote the federal government's $250 million emergency relief package.

The funding was widely criticised by the entertainment industry, as they were disappointed by a slow rollout. Guy explained later that he felt he was used as a "prop" by the Federal Government.

"I copped it, because I was trying to support something I believed would make a difference. And it hasn't so that's on me."

"I made that decision, I'll cop it, that's fair enough. But it doesn't mean I agree with how it's been rolled out, I think it's dismal."

"I'm embarrassed that I was used as a prop to push something that to be honest they haven't done the due diligence on to make sure it's actually getting to the people that need it. It was just a box that was ticked."