The Eagles of Death Metal Survived The Bataclan Terror Attack, Then Get Banned in France For Being Insensitive Towards Muslims

On November 13th, 2015, The Eagles of Death Metal took the stage at Bataclan Concert Hall. Little did they know that 90 of those hundreds of screaming fans would soon be massacred in front on their very eyes by several Kalashnikov-wielding gunmen, all Muslims, all killing in the name of their religion.

The band survived the ordeal although their merchandise manager was not so lucky.

The frontman, Jesse Hughes, known for his Conservative views, blasted Muslims and the liberal mentality in France and even went so far as to claim he believed security at the club may have been in on the attack, a claim he would later apologies for.

He told the Alt-Right digital magazine, “I saw Muslims celebrating in the street during the attack. I saw it with my own eyes. In real time! How did they know what was going on? There must have been coordination.”

After taking a bashing, Hughes finally came out with this statement: “I humbly beg forgiveness from the people of France, the staff and security of the Bataclan, my fans, family, friends and anyone else hurt or offended by the absurd accusations I made. My suggestions that anyone affiliated with the Bataclan played a role in the events of November 13 are unfounded and baseless—and I take full responsibility for them. They do not reflect opinions of my bandmates or anyone associated with Eagles of Death Metal. The shame is 100% mine.”

He also sad, “I’ve been dealing with non-stop nightmares and struggling through therapy to make sense of this tragedy and insanity. I haven’t been myself since November 13,” he wrote. “I realize there’s no excuse for my words, but for what it’s worth: I am sincerely sorry for having hurt, disrespected or accused anyone.”

The French, who’s government has made it a crime, punishable by prison, to be critical of Islam, was having none of it.

So the band that survived the worst massacre in music history, and who’s singer said things he may or may have not meant while dealing with the trauma, has been banned from two festivals they were to headline, the Rock en Seine and Le Festival Cabaret Vert.

Seem France has again surrendered to fear. The fear of offending those who have destroyed Calais and many other no-go zones within the country. Even after the attacks of Bataclan, you would image an experience like that would have strengthened the French resolve and opened much need dialog over the Muslim situation.

Enjoy this little clip from the amazing documentary, “The Redemption of the Devil.”