Singer Charlotte attacked over NY comments
Welsh teenage singing star Charlotte Church today faced criticism in the US after comments she made about the September 11 terrorist outrages.
She was attacked in the media after she was reportedly critical of the way firefighters had been elevated to the status of heroes and were invited to present prizes at the National Television Awards in London last month.
In the interview she said: ‘‘They went from here in society to celebrities. They are even invited here to present television awards, which I just don’t agree with.’’
Her comments are expected to prompt a backlash against the 15-year-old, who is due to perform for President Bush next month.
The singer has become a star in the US and previously performed for Bill Clinton.
In an interview, Miss Church, who today claimed her views had been ‘‘distorted’’, suggested that people in New York were too focused on the attacks.
‘‘Everyone there has to relate themselves to it. They are like ‘yeah, my neighbour’s dog’s owner’s sister’s dog was involved, but he got out just in time’.
‘‘It was a bit sick. People overdramatise and lose perspective.’’
And she was critical of Paul McCartney’s reaction to the death and destruction as the World Trade Centre towers were demolished in the attacks.
‘‘There was Paul McCartney saying, ‘I witnessed the crash’. Who cares? Thousands witnessed it.’’
And in the interview, which was first published on November 18, she spoke of how she had visited Ground Zero and said it was ‘‘awful, people taking debris to sell’’.
But today Miss Church said she her views had been ‘‘distorted’’ and the ‘‘misrepresentation’’ of her comments had been ‘‘quite upsetting for me to read’’.
In a statement today, the Voice Of An Angel star said: ‘‘In a personal visit to Ground Zero to offer my respect and prayers, as anyone who witnessed the devastation for themselves will agree, I was both moved and humbled by the experience.
‘‘The New York firefighters display remarkable courage and sacrifice every day and their work and efforts at Ground Zero are an extension of that. To myself and others around the world they are true heroes.’’
‘‘As for the statements on Paul McCartney, I have nothing but the greatest respect for him as a performer and as a person.
‘‘His influence on people’s lives has been immense over his distinguished career and I can only hope to be such an inspiration to others as he has been.
‘‘I have an undying love for America and I would never choose to offend the place that holds a special place in my heart. America has embraced and it has become a second home for me.
‘‘I owe an immeasurable amount of gratitude to the American people and their acceptance of me and my music in the States.’’
Still criticising the original interview, she apologized ‘‘for any feelings that may have been hurt’’ and sent her thanks to ‘‘all those in America for their continued support’’.
