John Williamson Condemns Classic Song’s Use in Anti-Immigration Protests

## John Williamson’s Response to Misuse of His Music

Australian music icon John Williamson has voiced his discontent regarding the usage of his beloved track in anti-immigration protest videos recently. The protests, dubbed March for Australia, occurred over the weekend across various locations in Australia and featured clips using Williamson’s well-known 1982 song, “True Blue.”

### Music for Unity, Not Division

In a statement released on Tuesday, Williamson expressed his strong objections. He emphasized that, “’True Blue’ is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division.” His belief in a multicultural society shines through with a commitment to unity among Australians, celebrating the country’s diverse cultural fabric and freedoms.

According to reports, attendance at the recent protests was significantly lower than the estimated 15,000 participants from the rallies in August, illustrating a shift in public engagement.

### Ongoing Legal Debates and Controversies

In Victoria, changes to protest laws are under consideration, focusing mainly on specifics like face coverings while preserving the right to protest. Meanwhile, in New South Wales, there are serious repercussions for racial incitement, highlighted by Jack Eltis, a self-identified neo-Nazi, who may face charges after his August speech at a large protest gathering.

In a related incident in the U.S., singer Kenny Loggins recently criticized President Donald Trump for using an AI-generated video that featured his classic song “Danger Zone,” without his permission. Loggins stated, “This is an unauthorized use of my performance… which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately.”

What are your thoughts on the intersection of music and activism?