John Lydon

Rotten by nature? Sex Pistols' John Lydon accused of racist attack on Bloc Party s...

Sex Pistols singer John Lydon has been accused of involvement in a violent racist attack on a black musician.

The 52-year-old, who made his name as Johnny Rotten 30 years ago, is alleged to have abused Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke.

His entourage is then said to have beaten Mr Okereke, leaving him with 'severe facial bruising' and cuts to his face and body.

Mr Okereke said he was a fan of the punk singer and claimed he had simply approached him to ask if he would consider reforming his former band Public Image Ltd.

In a statement, he said Lydon 'became intimidating and aggressive'.

It is alleged that one of Lydon's entourage told him 'Your problem is your black attitude' before three more set upon him, punching him in the face and head.

The alleged attack at the Summercase Festival in Barcelona was broken up by security guards.

Lydon had been performing with the Sex Pistols, but other members of the band were not present at the incident.

Lydon today dismissed Mr Okereke's claims. He added: 'I feel very sorry for a man that needs to lie about what was a perfect evening.

'Grow up and learn to be a true man. When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me.'

Lydon added that he had been performing at a multiracial festival in front of audiences 'of all creeds and colours'.

Mr Okereke reported the alleged incident to Spanish police and has given a statement to British detectives.

He said: 'It's not an issue of the physical assault, even though it was an unprovoked attack, it is the fact that race was brought into the matter so readily.

'Someone as respected and intelligent as Lydon should know better than to bring race into the equation, or socialise with and encourage those who hold such narrow-minded attitudes.

'I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot.'

Lydon appears to have lost none of his bad boy rancour since the Sex Pistols seventies heyday.

The band reformed last year and are now made up of Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock.

Most recently Lydon left rising star Duffy in tears after a furious spat at the Mojo Awards.

It is understood the Welsh songstress attempted to hug and greet the ageing rocker but he shrugged her off by swinging his arm, inadvertently knocking her off balance before launching into a four letter tirade at her.

And in June an American TV assistant Roxane Davis filed for damages against him. She alleged he made her 'fear for her life' after flying into a rage.

In court papers, she claimed that the star went berserk and hit her in the face, before screaming at her. Sex Pistols singer John Lydon has been accused of involvement in a violent racist attack on a black musician. ... more

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