Sunshine Coast singer Ziggy Alberts defends comments on Victoria’s compulsory masks
Prominent Sunshine Coast artist Ziggy Alberts has come under attack for comments people claim draws a comparison between face masks and Nazi Germany.
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POPULAR Sunshine Coast singer Ziggy Alberts has likened the mandatory wearing of face masks to living under the Nazi occupation of Europe, yesterday spruiking his controversial views on social media.
The performer took to his Instagram account last night where he shared his strong anti-mask sentiments with his 205,000 followers, and drew shocking comparisons to the life-saving move introduced by the Victorian Goernment to atrocities committed by dictators like Adolf Hitler under Nazi rule.
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Speaking on the new laws introduced by Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews which require all Melbourne residents to now wear a mask, Alberts said “all (the laws) do is strip Australians of their basic rights.”
“My great grandfather hid a Jewish family and an American pilot during Nazi rule in Holland and was killed for doing so. For trying to keep innocent people safe. There is no way I’m going to support, endorse or encourage mandatory face masks or lock downs in a free country.”
Alberts’ blatant views have caused significant backlash, as followers call out the posts as irresponsible.
One user, who strongly disagreed with Alberts said: “Wearing masks does not strip anyone of their basic rights. Imagine thinking you can compare the Nazi occupation of Europe - where millions of Jewish people died because they were Jewish- to the mandatory wearing of face masks during a global pandemic to protect those around you and to stop people from f***ing dying.”
While others called for Alberts to remove his posts.
Alberts also added there are “so many ways to protect a minority of immunocompromised citizens without mandating face masks or lockdowns.” He then thanked everyone for their differing opinions.
He has this morning defended his controversial and widely upsetting comments, saying he “didn’t draw a comparison between face masks and Nazi Germany”.
“I didn’t suggest you do not wear a face mask, I didn’t suggest you to not isolate yourself if you are sick,” he said.
“I just told you my family history and that I don’t agree in lockdowns or face masks being mandated and people being fined if they don’t comply.”
Alberts said he would not remove his comments, which will remain on his Instagram story for 24 hours from the time of posting.
The Courier-Mail has reached out to Alberts for comment.