Roger Waters, the 81-year-old co-founder of Pink Floyd, is facing a libel lawsuit from journalist John Ware over comments made during an Al Jazeera program. In the episode of “The Stream,” Waters referred to Ware as a “pro-Zionist, pro-genocider” and accused him of “cheerleading the genocide of the Palestinian people” in Gaza. These remarks were in response to Ware’s documentary, “The Dark Side Of Roger Waters,” produced for the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which examined allegations of antisemitism against Waters.
The High Court is currently deliberating on preliminary issues, including whether Waters’ statements constitute assertions of fact or expressions of opinion. The outcome of this determination will significantly influence the direction of the libel case.
This legal dispute adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding Waters, who has faced multiple allegations of antisemitism in recent years. In 2023, the Campaign Against Antisemitism released a documentary featuring claims that Waters had proposed using antisemitic slurs and imagery during his concerts. Waters dismissed the film as “a flimsy, unapologetic piece of propaganda.”
The case underscores the broader debate over the boundaries of free speech, criticism of Israel, and antisemitism. As the High Court proceedings continue, the legal and public scrutiny of Waters’ statements and actions remains intense.
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