Bryan Adams tweets, deletes and later apologizes for insensitive COVID-19 remarks

Bryan Adams is the latest celeb to come under fire for writing what many are calling an insensitive and even racist message about the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday night, Adams shared a clip of himself performing his 1983 hit “Cuts Like A Knife” and included an expletive-filled caption that pointed the finger at the wet markets that are commonly found in Asia for spreading COVID-19. Wet markets can play a critical role in urban food security, especially for low-income individuals, and often provide a lifeline for small farmers and businesses.Writing that Monday was originally scheduled to be the start of a week-long residency at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, Adams noted that like all live events, his series of shows has been put on hold due to coronavirus. “Thanks to some f**king bat eating, wet market animal selling, virus making greedy bastards, the whole world is now on hold,” wrote Adams. “My message to them other than “thanks a fucking lot” is go vegan.” There are some theories that COVID-19 began as a result of an infested bat being sold for human consumption at a wet market in Wuhan, China.Adams, who is an animal rights activist and a vegan, went on to say “To all the people missing out on our shows, I wish I could be there more than you know. It’s been great hanging out in isolation with my children and family, but I miss my other family, my band, my crew and my fans. Take care of yourselves and hope we can get the show on the road again soon.”The Grammy and JUNO winner has since deleted the message on Twitter, but it still appears on Adams’ Instagram account along with a video of his performance. Adams has disabled comments on the post, but people are still voicing their disappointment on Twitter. Many are calling Adams remarks racially insensitive and adding that they contribute to the anti-Chinese racism that has become rampant following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.

This tweet from @bryanadams.... ugh. Angry. Stigmatizing. Hate baiting. Scientifically wonky.

I get that people are frustrated, but this kind of aggressive messaging from an influencer helps no one. cc @KatieNicholson @CBChealth @picardonhealth #COVID19 #coronavirus#Community pic.twitter.com/nGAY4caYZY— Timothy Caulfield (@CaulfieldTim) May 12, 2020

As a vegan, I just wanna say we don't claim @bryanadams and his xenophobia, or anyone that's cool with what he said.

— ? leigh ? (@pocket_daisy) May 12, 2020

It doesn’t go away when you hit delete...what a disappointment you are #bryanadams pic.twitter.com/wz43ysNpLa

— One Voice (@Resist4Dem) May 12, 2020

I really can't believe how wild 2020 is turning. Even Canadians like #BryanAdams are posting racist & xenophobic shit. This post is super disgusting. And factually incorrect. pic.twitter.com/nH06h9wnp2

— ? Raymond Vagell ?️‍?? (@PrancingPapio) May 12, 2020

Bryan Adams' racist xenophobic tirade has been up for 10 hours now. Damage has been done.

— Dr. Wing Kar Li (@karliwithakay) May 12, 2020

Others are applauding Adams' remarks.

Thank you #BryanAdams for being a real person and not afraid to voice your anger and feelings unlike most of your fellow musicians who tip toe and fake concern. You said exactly what a lot of people feel, you spoke the truth! pic.twitter.com/cSsMrufEOl

— Ronnie Thomas (@rt_satx) May 12, 2020

Far-right British journalist Katie Hopkins is a fan of Adams tweet, which is not good news for the musician.

Dear @bryanadams , you might have just lost 99% of the ppl who would have bought tickets for your shows, but fear not, you'll still have your racist friends sticking by you and calling you a legend...like Katie Hopkins..All is not lost..except your reputation, and career.. pic.twitter.com/5Z6YTfZsox

— Audrey (@AudreyAurus1) May 12, 2020

Adams has been vocal on social media about practicing physical distancing and safe health practices to help stop the spread of COVID-19. On May 3, Adams participated in the I for India online concert to help raise money for those affected by the deadly virus in India. If only he could have stopped there.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I for India, concert on Facebook, 3 May, 2020. All proceeds from the concert go to GiveIndia to benefit victims displaced by COVID19. www.giveindia.org #iforindia #covid_19

A post shared by Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) on May 2, 2020 at 6:27pm PDT

Adams later issued an apology for the comments (well, to any who took 'offence' to his post), saying he just "wanted to have a rant about the horrible animal cruelty in these wet-markets being the possible source of the virus, and promote veganism."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

INTO THE FIRE. Title track from the same album. Apologies to any and all that took offence to my posting yesterday. No excuse, I just wanted to have a rant about the horrible animal cruelty in these wet-markets being the possible source of the virus, and promote veganism. I have love for all people and my thoughts are with everyone dealing with this pandemic around the world. Here’s the appropriately titled song that would have been performed tonight at the @royalalberthall . #bryanadamsintothefire #songsfromisolation #covid19 #banwetmarkets #govegan

A post shared by Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) on May 12, 2020 at 7:53am PDT

Anti-Chinese acts of violence have been on the rise since COVID-19 began impacting Europe and North America, including Canada. President Trump spurred more anti-Asian sentiment when he called the coronavirus the ‘China Virus’ in March. In response, actor John Cho wrote an emotional and poignant essay on racism against the Asian community for the Los Angeles Times in April. “The pandemic is reminding us that our belonging is conditional,” wrote Cho. “One moment we are Americans, the next we are all foreigners, who 'brought' the virus here.”