A pro-Palestinian sticker has been placed over a star of David necklace on a statue of Amy Winehouse in her former residence of Camden. This action has sparked backlash from various individuals, including environment secretary Steve Barclay.
The Metropolitan police recognized that the event would upset many individuals. They stated that they are currently investigating with Camden Market to determine the details and any possible evidence, such as CCTV footage, that may be accessible.
The owners of Camden Market, where the statue is located, stated that the sticker was promptly removed and the incident was reported to the authorities. They emphasized that Camden Market is a diverse and inclusive place, welcoming people from all over the world. They also made it clear that any sort of discrimination within their premises will not be accepted.
Barclay, in an interview with Sky News, described the incident as “incredibly shocking” and “extremely worrying”, stating that it would cause distress and concern among many, especially in the Jewish community. He mentioned that the home secretary is closely monitoring the issue of antisemitism and affirmed the government’s strong commitment to addressing it.
Winehouse’s background was Ashkenazi Jewish, and her former manager Nick Shymansky stated that they were not religious but had a strong cultural connection to Judaism. The Winehouse family observed Shabbat dinners on Fridays, and as a child, Winehouse attended religious classes at a cheder school, although she was not enthusiastic about it. She often wore a Star of David necklace, which is also featured on her statue.
A dog tag bearing the phrase “bring them home now” was hung on the statue as a temporary gesture, referencing the Israeli hostages currently being held by Hamas in Gaza.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation declined to comment on the sticker placement on the statue.
Source: theguardian.com
