Neil Young fears being 'barred or put in jail' if he speaks about Trump on European tour ahead of US leg
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rock legend Neil Young, 79, has voiced his concerns on his website about President Donald Trump potentially blocking his return to the United States after his recent European tour if he 'talks' about him.
Known for his dual US and Canadian citizenship, as well as his outspoken criticism of Trump, Young didn’t hold back, calling the president "the worst" in history.
The iconic 'Heart of Gold' singer, fresh off his first European tour in six years, admitted to fearing that Trump might prevent his reentry or even have him "put in jail."
Music legend Neil Young expresses doubts about US tour
In a statement posted on his website on Tuesday, April 1, Neil Young expressed doubt whether he would be allowed to tour in the US again.
He began, “When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket.”
Young is set to embark on a European tour from June 8 to July 13, followed by a US tour with his band, Crazy Horse, starting on August 8 in Charlotte. The tour will include a highly anticipated performance at the Hollywood Bowl on September 15.
The music legend continued, “That is happening all the time now. Countries have new advice for those returning to America. You can read about it at the CANADA Desk. If I come back from Europe and am barred, can’t play my USA tour, all of the folks who bought tickets will not be able to come to a concert by me.”
“That’s right folks, if you say anything bad about Trump or his administration, you may be barred from re-entering USA,” he went on expressing. “If you are Canadian. If you are a dual citizen like me, who knows? We’ll all find that out together.”
Neil Young questions freedom of speech in US
Neil Young described the situation as a threat to freedom of speech in a statement on his website.
He questioned, “If the fact that I think Donald Trump is the worst president in the history of our great country could stop me from coming back, what does that say for Freedom? I love America and its people and its music and its culture. … Remember Freedom of Speech?”
Young shared, “By these latest actions of our US government, it seems that those who speak out freely with their own opinions are now vulnerable to a non-existent Trump law.”
He then asked, “Then it seems to me that if you voted for Kamala Harris over Trump, that makes it possible for you to go to jail or be detained, punished in some way for not showing allegiance to what? How spineless is that?"
He concluded by sharing, "Trump is not be able to stand up to anyone who does not agree with his ideas? Remember, all months have 30 days. One country, indivisible, with Liberty and Freedom for all. Remember that? I do.”
While Young's comments were posted on April Fool's Day, a date often met with skepticism, his message echoes his ongoing criticisms of Donald Trump.
Neil Young's fears regarding his return after European tour spark debate online
After learning of Neil Young's comments on his website about his fear of being barred from the US following his European tour, several commenters quickly shared their thoughts.
One user wrote, "It’s because we don’t have our elected leaders in the House and Senate doing their sworn duty to uphold and defend the Constitution !!!"
One comment agreed with Young's claim, "I agree with you! THERE IS NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH."
A person wrote, "So true. Keep speaking out Neil Young. You are great."
A fan from Canada said, "You can always come home to Canada, Neil. We’ll have your back."
A user shared, "I love this once great country too BUT speak your truth. We cannot let this horrible administration go on. Speak it Mr. Young."
A fan commented, "You are much loved here in the states Neil ❤️ be safe and do what you need to do. We all understand."
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
