When a town, city or even an entire country gets on Morrissey’s bad side, his reactions can be swift and extreme, and apparently that’s the story behind the cancellation of the Italian leg of his current European tour, following claims of a tense confrontation with police in Rome.
As Consequence of Sound reports, Morrissey’s nephew Sam Esty Rayner took to Facebook to give the story of the encounter with an officer who allegedly “terrorized” the singer when asking for his papers.
When Morrissey was unable to produce any identification, Rayner states that “the Officer shouted very loudly and a crowd of over 100 people gathered. The Officer held his gun throughout the confrontation. After 35 minutes, Morrissey walked away, and the Officer did not follow.”
Morrissey’s own assessment of the situation was more severe, labelling it an “act of terror” by the “obviously insane officer” in a statement provided by Rayner.
“This was a deliberate act of terror by this Officer, who had no personal identification, but whose Polizia 113 motor-bike had the plate G2458. I had not broken the law or acted suspiciously. The officer unlocked his gun and held it as he screamed into my face. Some people came to my rescue.
“This happened outside the Nike store, and many people filmed the obviously insane officer. I believe he recognized me and wanted to frighten me. I did not back down even though I believed he was about to shoot me. I urge people to beware of this dangerously aggressive Officer. He might kill you.”
Morrissey has cancelled seven dates following the altercation, as he believes it’s not safe to remain in the country, although no footage has yet emerged of the alleged incident.
