James Blunt has sparked outrage by saying his life would be unaffected by Brexit.
The 45-year-old singer came under fire as he was accused of ‘insensitive’ and ‘privileged’ comments when discussing the political issue with The Independent.
‘I think it’s pretty much bulls***,’ James said. ‘It’s all a political thing.’
He continued: ‘I’m going to carry on touring through Europe whatever happens. Rather than having a title on it, my call to arms would be ‘get the f*** on with it’, because our lives aren’t going to change.
‘My tour manager is going to be pissed off he has to fill in a few more forms, but whatever you do, get on with it, because the limbo is killing us.’
However, many fans of the famously outspoken star said that the comments showed a total lack of awareness for the impact Brexit would have on the everyday person.
‘Can’t convey how disappointed I am to read this. I am a big fan but seriously? Your *manager* will have more forms to fill!? Get over yourself! This is a huge deal for the average family,’ one wrote.
Well, @JamesBlunt, my life IS going to change. My husband will lose his contract, and with it, our home and life in the city we love. My kids will lose their school and friends, but that’s ok, because it won’t affect you.https://t.co/t35bwaUKZU
— Remoaner Lisa ?? (@lisafryer9) October 20, 2019
Oh look. Another rich guy who won’t be affected in the slightest calling for something that will fuck up the lives of the poor and the vulnerable to be pushed through because he’ll be just fine. Gross.https://t.co/HcYduNfG2E
— ?️? Max ?️? (@SpillerOfTea) October 20, 2019
A lot of people unaccountable shocked that privately educated millionaire James Blunt is pro-Brexit.
— Mark Hebden (@unionlib) October 21, 2019
‘Well, @JamesBlunt, my life IS going to change,’ another Twitter user wrote. ‘My husband will lose his contract, and with it, our home and life in the city we love. My kids will lose their school and friends, but that’s ok, because it won’t affect you.’
Many also pointed out that, while a popular musician like James would not see his life on the road hampered by Brexit, this wasn’t the case for smaller acts, after a Guardian report found that leaving the EU without a deal would make touring ‘unviable’ for UK artists.
‘The average artist doesn’t have a manager with a team of people to fill out forms, understand VAT regimes and processes, check carnets, get work permits, and pay the additional costs,’ a fan tweeted.
However, James did one have supporter in the form of a Boris Johnson parody account who tweeted: ‘James Blunt is absolutely right – Brexit is not going to change the lives of public school educated millionaires like us.’
Ouch…
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