Morrissey has publicly criticized the BBC, alleging that the broadcaster is deliberately excluding his new single, “Notre-Dame,” from its radio playlists. In a series of statements posted to his official website, the former Smiths frontman claimed that his music is being subjected to a “blacklist,” while simultaneously dismissing the broadcaster’s stated commitment to diversity as a “lie.”
This development follows a separate grievance expressed by the singer last month regarding an unannounced BBC documentary focusing on The Smiths. Morrissey alleged that the production is designed to portray his former bandmate, Johnny Marr, in an exclusively positive light while disparaging his own contributions to the group’s legacy.
Allegations of Radio Exclusion
The core of the current dispute centers on the airplay of Morrissey’s latest musical output. In his recent post, the singer asserted that his new single, “Notre-Dame,” is being ignored by BBC radio programmers despite what he characterizes as significant public interest. Morrissey argued that the decision to omit his track from rotation is an act of institutional bias rather than a reflection of listener demand.
The Smiths Documentary and Content Concerns
The friction regarding the BBC's radio policy is compounded by the singer's recent commentary on the planned documentary concerning The Smiths. Morrissey expressed concern that the production would favor Johnny Marr’s perspective, stating that the project appears intended to frame his former bandmate as an "angel" at his own expense.
Institutional Policy and Public Criticism
Morrissey’s assertion that "diversity is a lie" appears to be a critique of the BBC’s internal policies and public messaging regarding inclusivity. His critique suggests a belief that the broadcaster’s stated values do not align with its internal practices regarding artist selection and editorial framing.