A survivor from last year’s Paris attacks involving the Bataclan Theatre has responded to Eagles of Death Metal frontman Jesse Hughes’ comments that staff of the venue were involved in the attacks.
Eagles Of Death Metal were playing the Paris venue when gunmen took the lives of more than 120 people. Last week, Hughes reiterated his view that some of the venue’s staff were in on the attack saying, “There’s no denying the terrorists were already inside, and they had to get in somehow.”
The band were subsequently dropped from two French festivals and now one of the survivors of the attacks, Tony Scott, has accused Hughes of using the comments to further his political agenda.
Writing for Louder Than War, Scott said, “Like Trump, Hughes words are divisive and he’s using the media to garner publicity for his outspoken views.”
Hughes’ comments were made to a right wing magazine and while Scott takes aim at his political intentions, he’s more concerned that Hughes is, “upsetting the online community that came together to show support to him and each other.”
“There is a rapport between a band and its fans, some of which are dedicated followers. They already feel like they know him. This rapport is strengthened still as Hughes is a fellow survivor and the compassion extended in the community of survivors is also extended to him. Comments in the media like his are a stomach punch to those fans, especially when they are still dealing with their own trauma. He is alienating the very people who helped him get where he is.”
Despite the criticism, Scott believes that Hughes may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder which is informing his opinion.
“It is clear that Jesse Hughes has issues that he needs to deal with and I hope that he gets the support he needs and, following these cancellations, takes time out to address his feelings and the impact it has on his fans, the other survivors and families of those that lost their lives in the Paris attacks,” he wrote.
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