Morrissey defends Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein comments

The former Smiths frontman was quoted as coming out in defence of actor Kevin Spacey and producer Harvey Weinstein – who are both accused of alleged sexual misconduct by multiple former colleagues. 

Morrissey said that the House of Cards star had been “attacked unnecessarily”. 

The 58-year-old singer also shed doubt on the current climate of abuse in the media industry that has dominated news headlines since early October.

Morrissey was also reported to have said he would kill Donald Trump if the opportunity arose.

But in a statement – released on the star's official Facebook page – Morrissey wrote: "A few weeks ago I foolishly allowed Germany's Der Spiegel into my life. 

"Since they eagerly flew from beloved Berlin to beloved Los Angeles in order to talk and laugh, I assumed a common understanding.

"Would I kill Donald Trump? No, never. Would I support Kevin Spacey's private proclivities? No, never. 

"Would I ever support abuse of children? No, never. Would I support sexual harassment? No, never.

"Would I support rape? No, never. Would Der Spiegel convey my views fairly? No, never.

"Would I ever again speak to print media? No, never."

He then went on to write: “In the world of music, as with politics, if you show any signs of being able to make a difference, you will be blocked, and you will have your arms tugged out from their sockets. 

"In the same world of music, if you have nothing to say, if your brain is a mental frost and if your pointless songs are the eyes of a dead fish, then your number 1 position awaits unasked, and your five-star reviews shall keep the press alive. 

"Music is eternity, and the call of 2018 is the time to be new and different. But you must forget the print media who are infatuated with their own reflection and do not want yours.”

Morrissey went on to claim he requested "unchopped, unfiddled-with audio" from Der Spiegel but had been denied.