Australian Artist Removed From Public Service Awards After Refusing to Cover Pro-Palestine Message
November 25, 2025
REPOSTED FROM @jaydenkitchenerwaters
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SHAME!!!
Tonight I was invited to sing at NSW Parliament House for the NSW Premier’s Public Service Awards. After I arrived, I was told I could not perform because of the messages on my guitar. Apparently they were “too political” for Parliament House because they “can’t be seen choosing sides”. I asked if they wanted me to fully cross out the word fuck (something I would’ve done) but they also had an issue with the “no pride in genocide” message. As an alternative, they offered to tape over the messages so they wouldn’t be seen. I declined and left. As I was leaving, I asked a staff member “do you support genocide?” to which she responded “no, not really”. not really??? Could you imagine asking someone if they support genocide and they respond with “not really”. Now imagine they work at our States Parliament. How embarrassing.
*Edit: I work within the NSW Premiers Department. This was a voluntary gig that I applied for a few months ago. I chose to perform there so I could share my message with the audience. This video is entirely my personal experience and the messages shared in my video are my own personal opinions. I deeply apologise for any offence caused by suggesting these views were linked to the NSW Premiers Department. The statements “free gaza”, “no pride in genocide” and “fuck the IDF” are my personal opinions and do not represent the NSW Premiers Department. Again, I am deeply sorry for any offence caused by suggesting these views were linked to the NSW Premiers Department.
It’s still fuck the IDF. it’s still free gaza and it’s still no pride in genocide (personally) 🖤
English Script:
Jayden Kitchener-Waters: Just walking through New South Wales Parliament House, where I was supposed to perform for the Premier’s Department dinner, but the messaging on my guitar is apparently too political. It’s too political for the parliament. Strange. Anyways, it’s just my reflections. That says enough.
