Fred Leone Hits Back At Senator's Claims Of Antisemitism

Fred Leone has taken to social media to refute claims made by Liberal Senator Claire Chandler during senate estimates this week, who attacked the Butchulla singer for what she deemed to be “antisemitic” social media posts that were made in support of the people of Palestine. In a since-removed post, Leone had previously called for a boycott of Zionists in Australia – which, Chandler claimed, was a call for a “boycott of Jewish people”.

Senator Chandler took issue with Leone’s posts on account of him being an advisory board member for Music Australia, the Australian Government’s principal arts investment and advisory body – which, per their website, “uphold[s] and promote[s] freedom of expression in the arts and to support Australian arts practice that reflects the diversity of Australia.”

“The Albanese government needs to send a strong message that antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable in the community, not acceptable in the arts sector, and especially not acceptable from a taxpayer funded council member appointed by the Minister,” said Chandler this week (per the Herald Sun). In response, Leone asked Chandler and his detractors to “show [him] anywhere” he had either written or said a negative word about Jewish people at any point.

“I have never made that statement or a blanket statement like that,” he wrote. “That ain’t me. Zionism and Israel? Yes, I have – and with very colourful language, due to the frustration of watching a live streamed genocide. The conflation of Zionism and Judaism at this time in history is literally sickening. I have never made any statement against Jewish people in general or Jewish artists ever. To be dragged like this in Parliament over something I’ve never said is insanity. To be held up like this on show to the country as an antisemite is appalling.”

Birdz feat. Fred Leone – ‘Bagi-la-m Bargan’

Leone went on to note his work with the organisation Courage to Care, which is an anti-racism and anti-discrimination not-for-profit founded and run by Holocaust survivors. “Speaking out about ultra-right Zionism, and Zionism as a colonial construct, or Israel, is not a statement on Jews,” he said. “Not all Jews support Israel’s genocide, and a statement on Israel or Zionism is not and should not ever be conflated as a statement on Judaism. It is a comment on the oppression and genocide of Palestinian woman, men and children. Nothing more and nothing less.”

Leone is one of several Australian artists who have been outspoken in their support of Palestine. During his appearance with Electric Fields at last year’s Eurovision song contest, Leone painted a watermelon on his chest to show support for Palestine as well as protesting Israel’s ongoing inclusion in the contest. Other acts, such as The Herd and Teenage Joans, have released protest songs in solidarity with the Palestinian people: ‘Soul Of My Soul’ and ‘Intifada’, respectively.

Urthboy of The Herd has been particularly critical of the Australian music industry for largely not platforming the issue publicly. “The silence has been deafening,” he said in June 2024. “A sector that prides itself on being at the forefront of progressive movements, recognising the value of representation from different cultures, is strangely silent on a matter that the entire world is grappling with.

“Artistic expression in Australia is under threat, with many anti-genocide creatives experiencing or being threatened with loss of funding and platforms. The absence of Arab voices, let alone Palestinians, in boardrooms and leadership positions may have more than a small part to play in this.”