Neil Young called for empathy for those who broke into the United States Capitol building in Washington DC, arguing that they were “manipulated” to do so.
In a message posted on his website, Young writes:
I empathize with people who have been so manipulated and whose beliefs have been used as political weapons. I can be among them. I would like news on the Internet to have two sides. Both sides represented in the same programs. Social media, in the hands of powerful people – influencers, amplifying lies and untruths, is crippling our belief system, pitting us against each other. We are not enemies. We need to find a way home.
The veteran rock star has long criticized Donald Trump and, until recently, was suing for using his songs during political rallies. In his new message, he again criticized the outgoing president, saying he “betrayed the people, exaggerated and amplified the truth to foment hatred”, but said his feelings are now “beyond” Trump.
“Resentment towards the Democratic party among the Capitol insurrectionists was growing. We don’t need that hatred, ”he wrote. “We need discussion and solutions. Respect for each other’s beliefs. It’s not hatred … With social media, issues are turned into psychological weapons and used to gather hatred in support of one side or the other. This is what Donald J Trump has as his legacy. “
He also criticized the “double standard” that saw heavy crackdowns on Black Lives Matter protesters in Washington in 2020, and relatively light policing of the Capitol violation last week.
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Young initially supported Bernie Sanders, but also expressed support for Joe Biden after he won the Democratic nomination, saying Biden would bring “compassion and empathy” back to the White House.
Last week, Young sold a 50% stake in his entire composition catalog to publisher Hipgnosis for an undisclosed fee estimated at around $ 150 million.