Vegetarian singer prompts outrage by saying Norwegian killings are 'nothing' compared with deeds of fast-food chains

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

The former Smiths front man Morrissey has provoked a storm of protest following comments in which the singer allegedly compared the Norwegian massacre in which 76 people died to the slaughter of animals for fast-food restaurant chains.

The 52-year-old vegetarian and animal rights activist allegedly made the remarks during a concert on Sunday in the Polish capital, Warsaw, where he is in the middle of a summer tour.

Just before performing his single Meat is Murder, he reportedly told the crowd: "We all live in a murderous world, as the events in Norway have shown, with 97 [sic] dead. Though that is nothing compared to what happens in McDonald's and Kentucky Fried shit every day."

His comments, reported in the Daily Mirror, led to condemnation on websites and Twitter.

One wrote on the singer's fan site: "The killing of children compared to KFC & McDonald's?!!! What an [arsehole]!

Another tweeted: "I've been veggy for 22 years. Today Morrissey's made me want to start eating meat." Another concluded: "Jesus Christ, Morrissey, you utter, utter bell-end".

The singer's spokeswoman told the Guardian: "There is no more to say on the matter, thank you".

It is not the first time Morrissey's outspoken views on animal rights issues have caused offence. In an interview in Guardian Weekend in September he called the Chinese people a "sub-species" over their treatment of animals and attitude toward animal welfare.

In April this year he voiced unease that David Cameron was a fan of his former band, telling BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme it was because the prime minister had hunted stag in the past. "It's a moral issue. Killing a stag is like killing a child. What's the difference?" he told presenter John Wilson.