‘R--- your brain’: Union official’s crude rap lyrics too rude even for CFMEU

A union official tasked with cleaning up the Queensland CFMEU has a history of using misogynistic, homophobic, and violent language as a rapper. WATCH THE VIDEO

A union official tasked with cleaning up the Queensland CFMEU has a history of using misogynistic, homophobic, and violent language as a rapper.

The lyrics are so abhorrent that members of the infamously militant union are now pushing to oust him.

The music of newly-appointed CFMEU QLD administrator Jared Abbott, performing under the stage name Cyphanetik, includes the use of the phrases “f*** f*ggots,” “wh*** c***”, and “I’ll still r*** your brain”.

CFMEU administrators have excused Mr Abbott’s actions as being in his past as his music was recorded 20 years ago.

His offensive raps were recorded between 2002 and 2005, but were digitised and uploaded to YouTube 13 years ago, where they remain.

Music has also been uploaded to YouTube and Spotify under Cyphanetik’s name as recently as four months ago.

CFMEU organisers, in a meeting on Tuesday evening, successfully moved a no-confidence motion in a bid to oust Mr Abbott, labelling his “record of misogynistic, homophobic and racist rhetoric” as “fundamentally incompatible” with the union.

Jared Abbott rapping.

Jared Abbott. Pic: Facebook

Members also called for the government-appointed administration – led by Mark Irving KC – to explain how Mr Abbott was chosen for the role despite his rap history.

Mr Abbott was contacted for comment but referred the Courier-Mail to the CFMEU administrators.

A spokesman said the lyrics did not reflect Mr Abbott’s views.

“These are lyrics from over 20 years ago, recorded from live rap performances,” he said.

“They do not reflect Mr Abbott’s views, which he has since made clear.”

Mr Abbott’s former employer the Queensland Council of Unions has also defended him, while accusing former CFMEU officials ousted as a result of the administration for waging a smear campaign.

CFMEU organisers have moved a no-confidence motion in a bid to oust Jared Abbott.

QCU general secretary Jacqueline King said Mr Abbott, who most recently served as her deputy, was a “respectful and quiet union leader”.

“While not justifying the language used, I am informed these rap battles are from around 25 years ago transferred from old VHS tapes when Jared was a teenager into his early twenties,” she said.

“What is clear is that the people digging into Jared’s history are the same who organised the protest outside the QCU seeking to prevent a decision to grant Jared leave.

“The very same who are also targeting Jared on social media with prolific vile comments including calling him a scab, a rat, a grub, and others telling him to “get cancer and die you c***”.”

Sacked CFMEU QLD/NT official Kane Lowth said Mr Abbott was unfit for the role, particularly at the CFMEU which had spent “time and money” to be more inclusive.

“Repeated homophobic slurs, violent slurs … his words are a direct insult to the union movement who purport solidarity, inclusivity, and respect,” Mr Lowth said.

“I just want to know who is responsible for the decision to hire this bloke.

“I can’t imagine the CFMEU members would be dancing to his tune.”

Originally published as ‘R--- your brain’: Union official’s crude rap lyrics too rude even for CFMEU