Johnny Rotten Denies Racism in Backstage Fight With Bloc Party Singer

John Lydon has denied allegations that racism was a part of an altercation with Kele Okereke. But a backstage incident at Barcelona's Summercase festival last Saturday led to the Bloc Party frontman winding up on the ground with facial bruising and a split lip.

Okereke – a Liverpudlian born to Nigerian parents – claimed Monday that he was assaulted by three members of Rotten's entourage and told, "Your problem is your black attitude." According to Okereke, the man also known as Johnny Rotten became "intimidating and aggressive" when Okereke asked if he would ever re-form his dormant band, Public Image Ltd.

Responding late Monday, the Sex Pistols frontman suggested Okereke started the fight and is using the racist allegation to drum up publicity. "I feel very sorry for a man that needs to lie about what was a perfect evening," Lydon said in a formal statement. "The trouble was brought to us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security.

"We are in the middle of a wonderful tour. After 30 years we are achieving a true unity in our audience," he added. "They are multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colors. When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow.

"Grow up and learn to be a true man," Lydon snapped. "When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me. It's a shame the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this."

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