John Lydon hits back at racist incident

John Lydon has hit back over claims he was involved in a racial attack on Kele Okereke.

Bloc Party frontman Kele alleged the Sex Pistols star and three of his entourage had verbally abused him, before he was punched in the face and head. The 'Like Eating Glass' singer also claimed John's entourage made racial slurs, with one uttering "your problem is your black attitude".

However, John - better known as Johnny Rotten - has put the incident down to jealousy on Kele's part.

Speaking about the alleged assault, which took place at Spain's Summercase Festival on Saturday (21.07.08), a statement released on behalf of the 52-year-old said:

"I feel very sorry for a man who needs to lie about what was a perfect evening. After the show John Rotten and management remained behind to sign autographs, which we did for four solid hours without incident and had a great time talking to other Spanish bands. This seems to have sparked jealousy in certain bands.

"The trouble was brought to us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security.

"We are in the middle of a wonderful tour, after 30 years we are achieving a true unity in our audience. They are multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colours.

"When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow. If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into."

The statement ended with John addressing Kele directly, telling him to "grow up and learn to be a true man".

John added: "When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me. It's a shame that the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this."