Today's Music News

Morrissey sues NME

The deadline for an apology has passed.

29 Nov 07 - Morrissey's lawyers have started legal action against NME, after the paper failed to reach a 1pm deadline today (Thursday) to apologise for an article about him.

The lawyers claim that NME defamed Morrissey, by criticising the former Smiths frontman for his views on immigration, with his manager accusing the paper of a "character assassination."

Tony English from Russells Solicitors issued the following statement:

"The NME had until 1pm today to agree to print a suitable apology to Morrissey, their only response to this deadline was to say that they: "Do not have time to respond to the allegations." We are therefore in the process of issuing legal proceedings for defamation on behalf of Morrissey against the NME and its editor Conor McNicolas, which will be served tomorrow."

The magazine has criticised the singer for telling a reporter that Britain had lost its identity due to high levels of immigration.

In an interview in New York with writer Tim Jonze, Morrissey says:

"Although I don't have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears. So the price is enormous."

"If you travel to Germany, it's still absolutely Germany. If you travel to Sweden, it still has a Swedish identity. But travel to England and you have no idea where you are."

His lawyers have no problem with the quotes, however, what they object to is the editorial angle and the words surrounding the interview, claiming they make the assertion that he is a racist or holds racist views. These words are credited to "NME," not Tim Jonze.

The NME and Morrissey have had a troubled relationship for many years. In 1992 they took him to task over his use of a Union Jack as a stage prop when he was supporting Madness at Finsbury Park; accusing him of flirting with nationalistic imagery.

They also expressed worry about his songs Bengali in Platforms and National Front Disco. It was the last time he spoke to the NME for 12 years.

Earlier the NME released a statement, saying:

"We can confirm that Morrissey's legal representatives have been in contact with NME and pending the outcome of these discussions we won't be commenting any further."

Lucy O'Doherty

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Comments so far

sara ogun, herts
there have been Norman, Viking, Roman, that all made the 'British' Identity? nd britian have tried 2 take over the soo many countries, but still people have a hard time accepting the facts.

Shane Hollyhead
Nme is for posh boys and girls who think they are cool - wannabee band members, it's sad. Get a life

ruben nathen london
its amazing how everyone has taken sides without even reading the article.the interviewer gave him several chances to redeem himself.white britain is a mix of several immigrant populations including norman, viking, roman, celtic.they have all contributed to the language we now call english.the royal family changed its german name after the first world war.they cerainly influenced the shape of this nation,as did they slave ports in liverpool and london.morrissey comes from immigrant irish parents.he himself is an immigrant in america and italy.are the english flooding their ports?what about the english who live in spain and cant speak a word of spanish.they have their own little world of pubs and fish and chips.this smacks of racism and hypocrisy.if knightsbridge has no english accents that is probably because of tourists in hyde park,harrods,harvey nics etc-are we going to ban tourists coming in?if you dont want immigrants then people on the dole should empty the bins and wipe the bums in NHS hospitals.scratch the surface and you will find the average briton not as liberal as we make ourselves out to be.know your history and then comment...

Zoe, London
I think Morrissey is just stating how things are and is not being a rascist. I think the NME's comments after the interview are misinterpretating his views and not allowing readers to make a decision for theirselves; they are telling people what to think. Grow up NME. It is a taboo subject but by you taking an outraged stance you will stunt any open discussion about immigration. Where did he say that 'foreigners' are bad for this country? Nowhere, just that they have changed the country. I see that as a fact of our times.

Dee, Brighton
It's just lazy, sloppy journalism - that's why I don't buy NME

Newcastle
Morrisey is spot on.The country's to afraid of being rascist, it just bends over and bangs on about political correctness.I can't say I'm proud to be English, because what is there to be proud of? Everytime you fly a flag you're accused of being rascist.

Dave Glasgow
Well done Morrissey. In this country we can't even be proud of what we are or what we once were without being accussed of being racist.

Trinkle bristol
I'm sure there was a time when NME was fairly intriguing? Wasn't there? I read it recently and felt giddy with how affected and shallow it had become, all skinny jeaned and laden with hair dye. Teen zines have more ideas and bite. But Morrisey had a complex point to convey and he's an astute fellow. It�s objectionable to have presented it in such a clumsy way and they deserve all the trouble they get. Bang!

Alex - New Zealand
The NME has been a joke for years. Fickle journalists championing mediocre bands (remember the 10/10 rating for Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine) Good luck Morrissey.

Maria - Sydney Australia
I reckon it's the UK's karma, Remember how big an empire you guys conquered... well now they are all coming home to roost. But whats wrong with cultural diversity? Why can't that be British, you guy's have lots of races in you already; Norman, Viking, Roman, Celtic so what's this about a 'British' Identity? You've always been multicultural whether you like it or not. I think it's what makes you special.

Chris Franklin | Los Angeles
Morrissey is absolutely right. I have no problem saying that I agree with him completely. I hope he wins.

William Ding, London
Another example of a crap magazine twisting an informed and thoughtful opinion to try to drum up reader interest. I stopped buying NME ages ago. It's crap and will always be crap.

Sally
we should be able to say what we want, and these are far comments, the NME has take this on and made it sound like it's bad. And since when is being Tory a crime - immigration is on every politcians agenda right now - it doesnt have to be a bad thing?

Chris W Plymouth.
Morrissey is only saying what everybody else is afraid to. He is absolutely right. This countries only identity is one of chav culture! The NME only took that angle to create a sensational story. They are, like all the other papers, morons!

Mark Jackson. Telford.
I hope Morrissey wins his case. I'm fed up with people's views being twisted in this way. Immigration is a thorny issue and the NME have been silly and irresponsible in accusing him of racism.

Andy Saxon, Sheffield
Good luck Morrissey - We know you're not a racist. At least we now have another confirmation the NME are idiots. They said The Clash were racists for White Riot and that they were hypocrites for "I'm So Bored With The USA". Do they not bother reading the lyrics and just judge everything from it's title??