Roger Waters brands David Draiman a “psychotic racist Nazi pig” in open letter to Billy Corgan
Roger Waters has responded to Disturbed’s “psychotic racist Nazi pig” David Draiman after the Pink Floyd star was accused of betraying “jews everywhere”.
Draiman appeared on the latest episode of Smashing Pumpkins star Billy Corgan’s podcast, The Magnificent Others. On the show, the two musicians discussed the Israel-Palestine conflict at length, as Draiman is pro-Israel and even signed an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) artillery shell with his autograph in 2024.
During their conversation, the Jewish musician said he would “punch” the pro-Palestine Waters if they ever met. He also accused him of betraying “jews Everywhere”.
Waters has responded to the criticism in an open letter to the Smashing Pumpkins’ Corgan, posted on X. Waters revealed he’d “never heard of” Draiman and that their podcast discussion had been forwarded to him.
Waters then wrote, “It seems he has a problem with me standing up for human rights, particularly the human rights of my brothers and sisters in Gaza who are being slaughtered in a genocide by the armed forces of the Nazi racist, pariah state of Israel.”
Directly referencing Corgan, Waters added, “You, being the lovely fella you are gave this little piece of shit a chance to clarify or even modify his position. He did. He is a psychotic racist Nazi pig.”
The iconic musician continued, “I’m told, Billy, he writes messages on bombs before the IDF drops them on civilians in Gaza. Enough said. I will continue to work with all my brothers and sisters all over the world in the movement to demand equal human rights for all human beings, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity or nationality.”
Broaching the question as to whether Waters would ever want to sit down with the “obnoxious little prick”, Waters stressed, “The answer is non merci, Billy, life’s too short, he can inhabit his tiny corner of hell without the benefit of my love and truth.”
Finishing with a pun, Waters referenced Draiman’s band, asking, “Disturbed? Er? Yeah! Just a bit!”
It didn’t take long for Draiman to respond to Waters’ open letter, which he deemed “disappointing”. In the comments, Draiman began, “And here I was open to dialogue, even with someone I so deeply disagree with.”
Draiman added that this was the reaction he “unfortunately expected”, though it was “predictable”. He continued, “Be brave, Roger. Blessed are the peacemakers, right? I’m always willing to try. We must all continue to try. Even with you.”
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